MOUNT HOOD VILLAGE, Ore. — Still reeling after learning of her death, people in the Welches community had heartfelt words to share about what kind of person Susan Lane-Fournier, also known as Phoenix, was.
Susan worked at Hoodland Bazaar, a shop selling imported exotic gifts. There, community members got to know her. She hosted meditation and sound bathing in a backroom of the store, a location where people now go in to pray for her.
Kristen Elizabeth recently moved to the Welches area, and met Susan at the store. She said they were on the way to becoming friends when she was murdered.
“Instantly we connected, we hit it off, we had so many things in common," Elizabeth said. “She was so excited, she handed me her phone number and said 'I need a new friend,' and we just kind of connected from there.”
She said they bonded over many things, including their adult children.
But Elizabeth said Susan never spoke of her husband, Michael Fournier — the man now accused of Susan's murder.
Elizabeth, who is now temporarily working at the store, has created an altar there, complete with a journal for people to write memories of Susan, which she plans to eventually give to her adult sons.
Shop manager Khalid Kamahwee said Susan worked at the store for nearly two years. He said she was always a reliable employee, and would usually inform him or his brother AJ, who owns the store, if she was going to be late.
Kamahwee said he texted Susan when he realized the store had not been opened on November 22, but she didn't respond. When he called her, it went to voicemail. AJ then called police.
Kamahwee said that while she never got into details, Susan told him she was going through personal issues. She had began bringing her two dogs into work with her, which Kamahwee said was for her safety.
On Sunday, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office revealed that two dogs, which are believed to be Susan's, were found dead the day prior.
Although it's currently not clear what led up to the murder, Susan's husband, Michel Fournier, was arrested Friday — the same day her body was found — for second-degree murder.
A month prior, Susan had filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. On court documents, she identified herself as Susan Lane.
While authorities have not confirmed whether domestic violence was a factor or not, some in the community believe that may have been issue.
“The word in the community was that she was afraid to serve him (divorce papers) because she was afraid something like this would happen," said Dhani Toney, who met Susan once.
“She was just so joyful, really joyful, and had such a happy energy," said Toney.
Toney was the first person to write in the journal about Susan.
“I said that I know we only met once, but you left a lasting impression and your joyful energy was contagious and I hope that justice prevails," she said.
Along with the dogs, Susan also had birds at home — four finches and one parakeet — according to Viki Adams, who rescued the birds from the home Sunday morning.
“She was wonderful, she was unique, multifaceted ... and just the warmth and compassion just emitted from her. It was just who she was, and I think everyone was uniquely touched by her," Adams said, describing Susan.
She said mountain women like Susan are strong, and said Susan always brought out the good in people. Now, Adams said she will hold on to the birds to give them a new home, unless Susan's sons request them.
