Mom was a beloved member of the old Arcadia community, living here for more than 30 years, at a time when citrus orchards and ranch style houses lined the streets. Our mom was a truly special woman, embodying grace, beauty, love, and compassion. We will be eternally proud to call her our mother; she was one of a kind.The family plans to take a couple months to mourn our loss before holding a service, and we will inform you all well in advance of our plans. We ask that instead of flowers or gifts, please send a donation to Arcadia High School’s Titan Teacher Fund in Suzy’s name. The family is setting up a scholarship in her name and appreciates your contributions to continuing her legacy of supporting education and compassion.
Finally, we would like to thank you for your support over the past month. Your encouragement allowed us to be together during a very important time in our lives.
Suzy was a wonderful woman, and I feel blessed to have known her. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. You all are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Megan
Suzy really was the best. Plain and simple.
ReplyDeleteMatt and family,
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear the news of your mom's death...Emilie told us this morning. It is obvious she was a very special lady, and we know you will miss her so much. We'll be praying for you all as you process your grief and begin to plan the celebration of her life.
Kraig and Jennifer Saks
Dearest children of Suzy~
ReplyDeleteWe have lost a national treasure...your mom was the best...the best friend, mother, colleague, and person. Her spirit and quick wit will remain with all of us that she touched...we are so lucky to have had her in our lives.
My prayers are with you~
Nancy O'Brien
Suzy really was one of a kind. You were so very lucky to have her as a mom. She shared so much love and grace with all of us. Her smile was enough to light up a room. We will miss her.
ReplyDeleteLove to you all.
V&D
We were always so taken by Suzy and her warm heart, and deep, deep love for her children. We feel so privileged to have known her and our hearts go out to you in this difficult time. You are very much in our thoughts.
ReplyDeleteChris, Hope, and Patrick
Suzy was a truly special person-everyone who knew her loved her. Suzy had a way of caring, giving and loving that was sincere, heartfelt and always supportive. There are few people who are truly good through and through- Suzy was definitely one of them. Suzy left us all- especially her children and grandchildren way too soon, her loss is a void that no one can fill. I, like countless others in the Arcadia community have been blessed to have known her, spent time with her over many years and will miss her terribly.
ReplyDeleteMiss her already.
ReplyDeleteMatt and Family,
ReplyDeleteYour Mom was an incredible person and friend to many, especially my mom. Stay strong, you all are in our thoughts.
Ryan Lindquist
Oh, I terribly sadden to read about your mother's passing. Know that I'm thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. I hope the fond memories of your mom bring you comfort.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you.
The picture of Suzy is exactly the way we want to remember her; that big wonderful heartfelt smile of hers. We are going to miss her so very much but are so thankful for some very wonderful times of some tears and a lot of laughs especially between her and me. Love you all. Give Henry and Charley a special great Uncle Gary and Auntie Linda a hug from us. They are the first ones I thought about after Matt had called. Let us know if there is anything we can do. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you feel the peace of God.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Gary and Linda V.
Becky and Mark and all the family, our love and thoughts are with you as you face this difficult passage in life. Your Mom and our friend Suzy was so wonderful and special, with her lovely smile and friendly ways, we will remember her fondly. She is now at peace and she was so blessed to have had all your love to help and comfort her, as her love cherished and guided you.
ReplyDeleteOur deepest sympathy and lots of love
Amar and Vinita
Suzy was a warm spirit that will remain with us all forever. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love to the entire family.
ReplyDeleteThe Thomsons
my thoughts are with you and everyone who loved her
ReplyDeleteYour mom is absolutely one of the most wonderful persons in my life and I know so many others. My mom just said "who has she not touched in that whole community, it's just unbelievable". We love you all so much.
ReplyDeletebrooke and sean and liam vezino
and
all the vallenari's
I can only say "ditto" to all that has been said about your mother and grandmother. My life has been made better knowing her over the last 10 years.
ReplyDeleteI just sat and read through all of the blog entries. Thanks for keeping this up, and giving us a glimpse into the last few months. What a beautiful, lasting tribute to a wonderful soul! All of you is what she talked about the most - she was so proud of you.
Thanks for sharing your mom!
Our hearts go out to all of you. Your mom was such an AMAZING person and lit up the life of everyone she met. She will always be remembered and loved. Please know we are here for you if you need anything.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Laurie Davis & family
and all of the Wilder's
Dearest Becky and Mark and all the family.
ReplyDeleteCan't find the words to express the gratitude and gladness we feel for the time we had with Suzy - and the heartache of losing her. Our thoughts and hearts are with you. Lots and lots of love, Rasik, Surjeet and Smita
In Memoriam
With you a part of me hath passed away;
For in the peopled forest of my mind
A tree made leafless by this wintry wind
Shall never don again its green array.
Chapel and fireside, country road and bay,
Have something of their friendliness resigned;
Another, if I would, I could not find,
And I am grown much older in a day.
But yet I treasure in my memory
Your gift of charity, and young hearts ease,
And the dear honour of your amity;
For these once mine, my life is rich with these.
And I scarce know which part may greater be,--
What I keep of you, or you rob from me.
George Santayana
I loved Suzy - her ability to listen, her enthusiasm and her joy in her family.
ReplyDeleteOne special memory involves a "road trip" to Happy Jack by the staff from the old Arcadia Library area - Sharon, Marcia, Delane, Ann and Suzy. On the drive, to everyone's surprise, Suzy announced that she had never been to Payson. Soon talk of school, kids, dogs, and pine trees ended as we all began to sing a spirited version of all the old Elvis classics. We rocked!
Jim and I celebrate our special time with our friend Suzy including a chance encounter on a small street in Barcelona. We will miss her smile and her spirit.
Marcia
Dear David, Rob, Becky and Matt-
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to hear of your mother's passing, but thankful you were able to spend time with her. All my memories of Aunt Suzie are fond ones. You're in our thoughts.
John
My deepest sympathies, Rob, to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThought I might share this hug that someone recently sent me:
Your mother is always with you.
She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street.
She's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore.
She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well.
She's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day.
She's the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of the rainbow.
She is Christmas morning.
Your mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every teardrop.
A mother shows every emotion...happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, and sorrow; all the while hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life.
She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take.
She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can ever separate you, not time, not space, not even death.
David, Rob, Becky and Matt,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about losing your mom. She was an amazing, wonderful person who brought happiness and positivity to everything she touched. I will always have great memories of spending time with all of you growing up, but most of all I cherish the way your mom made me feel when I was in my early teen years, as she treated and spoke to me with the respect of a peer. She could give anyone the confidence to face life just by flashing that wonderful smile of hers.
My prayers are with you and your families as you adjust to life based on her memory.
To the entire Van Sickle family. I was deeply saddened to leaarn of your mother's battle with cancer and that she lost that fight last Thursday. Suzy and I grew up together in Lima, lived across the street from each other as children, went to elementary school together, and reconnected in high school. I did not know she was ill and was hoping that she would come to our 50th high school reunion this fall. I read her blog and was impressed with her wonderful attitude and outlook. You all were the lights of her life. From the comments everyone has submitted, she was a very special person to all who knew her. Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother and a friend of mine from long ago. Toni Davis Starkey
ReplyDelete