It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our founder, Suzanne McNeely. Suzanne’s passion for seniors was evident throughout her life. She founded Senior Planning Services in 1989, as the first geriatric care management agency in Santa Barbara, because she had a vision and saw a great need for a service that supported the interests of the senior population.
Her unparalleled drive was recognized by many and she received numerous awards for her outstanding work, including the Spirit of Business Award for Best Woman Owned Company, the Champion of Health Care Award, Community Business of the Year, and the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award. Suzanne also served on several boards, including the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, the Alzheimer’s Association and Friendship Center, and she was an active member of the National Association of Women Business Owners.
Suzanne’s mission to ensure that seniors would always receive the best in care was evidenced in 2012, when she transferred the responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the company to Debra DiNapoli. Debra brings 30 years of leadership and home care experience to the organization. Under Debra’s leadership, Senior Planning Services will continue delivering exceptional home care and care management to the Santa Barbara community.
If you would like to remember Suzanne, the family requests that donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.