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I remember being at an Exponent II retreat with Suzette just days after 9/11. In a time of such uncertainty and fear, I loved being near Suzette. While we were feeling sad, I remember she also exuded a feeling of peace that all would be well.
Suzette always has that amazing confidence that, come what may, everything will work out. I admire that attitude endlessly and watch as she jumps from adventure to adventure because of that confidence.
Happy Birthday, Suzette! I love you!
Kris Silvan Massey
Of course there were all the fun times in Regency, I remember in particular how exciting it was to be there when you opened your mission call. I'm so glad you were there as my friend, roommate, and inspiration throughout most of my time at BYU. You were always the perfect example of grace, style, and class... and of course none of that has changed!!!
I also have to say how inspired I was about your plan to celebrate your 40th b-day. I've been moaning and groaning about turning 40 ever since the year started, and it was great to see you celebrating it with so much gusto. I hope it's a wonderful b-day and I hope your blog is amazing.
I also have to say how inspired I was about your plan to celebrate your 40th b-day. I've been moaning and groaning about turning 40 ever since the year started, and it was great to see you celebrating it with so much gusto. I hope it's a wonderful b-day and I hope your blog is amazing.
John-Charles Duffy
I'm wishing you a happy birthday. I'm glad we got to know each other in Salt Lake. I'm grateful for your leadership of MESJ during that time; you brought much needed professional savvy and administration skills to an organization of idealistic amateurs. I hope you're enjoying your new work; I hope you have relationships that sustain you in the ways you need.
Rochelle Johnson
Happy birthday, big sis! It has been so fun for me to read the loving memories of your friends and family over the last month. You truly are a remarkable person and have touched the lives of so many with your thoughtfulness and kindness. Growing up the oldest and the youngest our lives have been very different but I have always looked up in awe at my big sister.
I was only five when you went away to college. I'm sure you were very excited and couldn't wait to be out of the house and on your own, but all I remember is sadness. Crying that my big sister was leaving me. Soon after you were headed for a mission to Australia with the whole world ahead of you. (I remember the stuffed kangaroo you sent me while you were on the mission. I thought it was so cute and kept it in my room until I left for college.)
I have very few memories of you from my early life. Mostly they consist of me wanting you to lay with me in bed and trying to take up as much of your time as I could when you would come home for a visit. However, even though we were distant in space you have touched my life greatly.
Remember the trip to the Ranch that just you and I took together? I was only in middle school or just starting high school and I felt so privileged to be able to go on a trip with you all by myself.
I always wanted to "fit in" with the older kids and be part of what you were doing. Any chance I had to be with you made me feel special. On the family cruise you took this picture with me and then sent it to me afterward with a note saying how much you liked my hair in braids like that. It was something small but something I remember.
You made me want to live in Boston because that is where you lived and I thought everything you did was so exciting and great...and now I live in Boston!
My very first trip to New York City was with you. It was rainy and cold and we only stayed for a day but I had a lot of fun anyway.
And then you moved to Salt Lake while I was living in Provo and we finally had the chance to do the sister things I always wanted. (I was attending college at BYU because that is where you went and so from the time I was young that is where I wanted to go too.) I was no longer the little kid running around crazy and being annoying and you were no longer the older sister who was away living her own life. While in Salt Lake you took the time to invite me to special occasions, you learned about my friends and I loved the time we spent together shopping, eating out, watching and Cougarette's, and just having fun.
There are so many things that I love about you. You are a mover and a shaker with lots going on but when you are spending time with people you put aside everything else and make them feel special and important by asking questions about their lives and not answering your phone. Your example has given me courage to make bold decisions with my life. I never thought twice about picking up my life and moving to Washington DC without knowing anyone because I had seen you do that many times.
I am so blessed to have you in my life and can't wait to celebrate your birthday together sunning ourselves in the Bahamas. Thanks for the kind notes, great advice, and wonderful example you have shown me over the years. I look forward to many more memories to come.
I was only five when you went away to college. I'm sure you were very excited and couldn't wait to be out of the house and on your own, but all I remember is sadness. Crying that my big sister was leaving me. Soon after you were headed for a mission to Australia with the whole world ahead of you. (I remember the stuffed kangaroo you sent me while you were on the mission. I thought it was so cute and kept it in my room until I left for college.)
I have very few memories of you from my early life. Mostly they consist of me wanting you to lay with me in bed and trying to take up as much of your time as I could when you would come home for a visit. However, even though we were distant in space you have touched my life greatly. Remember the trip to the Ranch that just you and I took together? I was only in middle school or just starting high school and I felt so privileged to be able to go on a trip with you all by myself.
I always wanted to "fit in" with the older kids and be part of what you were doing. Any chance I had to be with you made me feel special. On the family cruise you took this picture with me and then sent it to me afterward with a note saying how much you liked my hair in braids like that. It was something small but something I remember. 
You made me want to live in Boston because that is where you lived and I thought everything you did was so exciting and great...and now I live in Boston!
My very first trip to New York City was with you. It was rainy and cold and we only stayed for a day but I had a lot of fun anyway.
And then you moved to Salt Lake while I was living in Provo and we finally had the chance to do the sister things I always wanted. (I was attending college at BYU because that is where you went and so from the time I was young that is where I wanted to go too.) I was no longer the little kid running around crazy and being annoying and you were no longer the older sister who was away living her own life. While in Salt Lake you took the time to invite me to special occasions, you learned about my friends and I loved the time we spent together shopping, eating out, watching and Cougarette's, and just having fun.
There are so many things that I love about you. You are a mover and a shaker with lots going on but when you are spending time with people you put aside everything else and make them feel special and important by asking questions about their lives and not answering your phone. Your example has given me courage to make bold decisions with my life. I never thought twice about picking up my life and moving to Washington DC without knowing anyone because I had seen you do that many times. I am so blessed to have you in my life and can't wait to celebrate your birthday together sunning ourselves in the Bahamas. Thanks for the kind notes, great advice, and wonderful example you have shown me over the years. I look forward to many more memories to come.
Aubree Weeks
Suzette is one of the most genuine, confident, capable, warm-hearted friends I have in DC. She and I used to take walks and talk about life. I appreciate how she was a life-saver when I needed food or rides after I had surgery. Her little unexpected notes have brightened my days. She is a ray of sunshine and I am blessed to have such a strong faith filled woman as my friend. Happy Birthday Suzette!
Lael Cox
Suzette, I have had such wonderful and uplifting memories with you. Here are a couple of the memories that each conjure up different recollections as I think about them at different times. Here are some of the most memorable.
-Each time I have been invited to eat at your place, I have seen the results of your reaching out to people in sincere friendship in the people you bring together. You help mature people of different backgrounds, needs, capabilities, and personalities all meet in a very safe setting of love and respect. They have been among the most welcoming environments for me to get to know new people.
-I remember you accompanying me on a crazy outing into DC late at night to drop a friend off and taking the “scenic” route through the city to get back to Alexandria – we talked about people’s social needs in the church and how to reach out and meet those needs. In this conversation, I really got to know more of the depth of your caring for others.
-I popped my head out of the door one morning, and lo and behold, who should be walking by who looked like they wanted a ride to work? You! You mentioned to me that you would have preferred to be at work earlier. Glad it worked out that way that I could help make up some time. Someone is looking out for you.
-I, with bishop and his son, delivered furniture to your house when you were not there.
-I particularly recall eating at Monroe’s and having you listen so intently, inquisitively, and patiently as I related talking about the path to complete healing after losing love.
-I then remember eating at a small pizzeria off of Duke street for lunch and being like a sequel to my account. You related your experience of closure and peace. I can think of no better way of spending any hour of that day, than of hearing you relate that. It made me happy for you!
-Most recently, I recall eating at Fireflies and just catching up.
Suzette, if there are common threads across all my memories, they are the quality of friendship and love you have shown me. You have been a great and sincere friend with a fresh perspective. I look forward to many more memories together!
-Each time I have been invited to eat at your place, I have seen the results of your reaching out to people in sincere friendship in the people you bring together. You help mature people of different backgrounds, needs, capabilities, and personalities all meet in a very safe setting of love and respect. They have been among the most welcoming environments for me to get to know new people.
-I remember you accompanying me on a crazy outing into DC late at night to drop a friend off and taking the “scenic” route through the city to get back to Alexandria – we talked about people’s social needs in the church and how to reach out and meet those needs. In this conversation, I really got to know more of the depth of your caring for others.
-I popped my head out of the door one morning, and lo and behold, who should be walking by who looked like they wanted a ride to work? You! You mentioned to me that you would have preferred to be at work earlier. Glad it worked out that way that I could help make up some time. Someone is looking out for you.
-I, with bishop and his son, delivered furniture to your house when you were not there.
-I particularly recall eating at Monroe’s and having you listen so intently, inquisitively, and patiently as I related talking about the path to complete healing after losing love.
-I then remember eating at a small pizzeria off of Duke street for lunch and being like a sequel to my account. You related your experience of closure and peace. I can think of no better way of spending any hour of that day, than of hearing you relate that. It made me happy for you!
-Most recently, I recall eating at Fireflies and just catching up.
Suzette, if there are common threads across all my memories, they are the quality of friendship and love you have shown me. You have been a great and sincere friend with a fresh perspective. I look forward to many more memories together!
Lisa Cox
My strongest memories of Suzette started at Brick and a similar trend followed through high school. Suzette was always the great "what you could be" image. A few years ahead of me I always looked to her as the cool older sister that was willing (most of the time) to tolerate my presence. I remember feeling so special in high school as a freshman because Suzette and all of her friends would be nice to me and I felt so popular. (Lots of listening to kissing stories at night when we went to bed.) Then came our time together at BYU. I felt a strong friendship build as we began to be more on a level playing field. Kaylene, the Boone boys, Mike and breakups, fun birthday parties, our candy cane Christmas tree.
The Boston, Hartford years brought fun road trips. I always looked forward to bundling up the boys and driving your way for an adventure. SLC days the family was growing and now your love spread not to just me but my children who adore you.
Suzette, Happy Birthday, you are so courageous, generous and kind. I am proud and happy to call you my sister.
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