Uber-iconic local legend Suzan Strauss, also known as LA’s “Lava Lady,” passed away on September 1st of heart disease in Florida. She was 86.

Although she left LA over a decade ago to start a new life in Florida (where she was locally known as The Wellington Witch), Angelenos still fondly recall the enigmatic figure in black who walked Melrose Avenue in 18-inch platforms, striking burlap and brocade gowns (which she made), with her jet black hair slicked back and styled in an antennae-like pony tail, sticking straight up. She lived on a compound of two famous black-lava-covered houses on Detroit Street (hence her nickname “Lava Lady”). On her front lawn was a green astro turf catwalk, which she would walk up and down on a regular basis, entertaining passers-by. The inside of the houses, which used no electricity, only candles, were covered with natural color flint rock. And all the furniture was blue plastic kiddie furniture. Fabulous.

Details of her private life are scant, but legend has it she was an heiress to the Levi-Strauss fortune… that she once had a black panther (but neighbors complained, and the city made her remove it)… and that she only ate baby food and non- cooked foods.

Brilliant. I hope it’s all true.

Lina Lecaro over at LA Weekly has written a wonderful article, remembering the day she interviewed her (almost 20 years ago).

And more remembrances from Rick Castro at Antebellum (who took many of the pictures here).