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![Suzanne Smith](/tribute-images/64594/Ultra/Suzanne-Smith.jpg)
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Condolences
There is a sadness to Suzi`s sudden passing from this life to the next, that has left me numb and feeling moments of disbelief. BUT through the comfort of friends and family that were near her, I know now that she was surrounded by real people, who loved and cared for her, this brings me comfort.
We shared a bedroom together all our childhood and teenage years, sharing many secrets, until our older sister, Roberta moved out of the family home.
She was the sweetest of sisters who looked out for me, took care of me and helped me with my homework, especially maths and geography. She had the patience of job as we say in Ireland.
Suzi was always a REAL person, she understood human behaviour and had high degrees of empathy in her youth. She talked me through real life issues, in her own gentle, uncondemning way. When I was 13 years old I hide myself in a closet after school because I thought I was dying. I was bleeding. When she came home she searched for me, found me out and taught me about the birds and the bees, in a way I understood. She saw details in every aspect of life on this planet, and sought out truth. She loved Jesus with a passion and thirst. I know she called by aunt Vera’s house several times a week after school to discuss spiritual truths. She was an evangelist in her college years, and people were drawn to the truth of the gospel she testified. She was an encourager, using her artist skills to brighten up people’s lives.
When I was 16, Suzi moved to Canada to marry her Canadian sweetheart, signalling the start of my grieving the closeness of her love. I have grieved for many years over the loss of that closeness to a big sister that was my anchor, a guiding light, a balm for my soul.
Relationships in the family changed, and this added to my grief, although I never lost hope finding this closeness again. Now there is no hope of this closeness, this side of heaven, and somehow the loss became deeper these past 2 weeks, so final.
My throat feels dry just writing this truth, I try to focus on life, it’s been a challenge through this grief. So I write, encouraged to do so by a family friend, who is also grieving. In her address to me she wrote “God sends people into our lives to teach us life lessons. Once these lessons have been shared, or learnt, he takes them HOME”. So if this is a truth, then in knowing that God is a good God, I must conclude that Suzi`s passing to her heavenly home was allowed to happen. I’ll never understand it, but I will trust in a good God.
So what are the life lessons from Suzi`s life and death?
I see that her life tells us we need each other, BUT we need to take this truth deeper, to reach out to each other in unconditional love and acceptance. Be REAL people.
So I say to a beloved, sweetie pie big sister. I will walk in truth, love and be real: Mizpah (gen31v49), (meaning, “the deep emotional bond between people, especially those separated by distance or death”.) You were loved just as you were.
Heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family on the passing of dearest Suzi. Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trial of beautiful memories. Safe in the arms of Jesus.
Anna (nee Vennard) N Ireland
My dearest sister SuziQ,
You will always carry a very special place in my heart; but alas, today you are carried ‘Safely in the arms of Jesus’
Psalm 139 : 17-18
‘Lily/Lotus Flower’
‘How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!’
I’m just now on cranfield beach walking, praying and thinking about you and I stop to look down at my feet
As the ‘ebb and flow’ cleared a space in the sand, a red crayon washed up to shore at my feet!
I felt the Lord asking me to write your name in the sand. As I was doing this, the crayon broke in half…but I continued to encircle your name in His heart of love
WHAT are the chances of finding a RED crayon on a beach!!!
The red colour….spoke to me of the blood of Jesus shed on the cross for the forgiveness of sins, and when it broke I was reminded of His broken body where we are made whole through His salvation sacrifice.
Your name is engraved on the palms of His hands….He knows your name Suzi!…(‘meaning a Lily like Lotus flower’)
I totally realised the tide would come in and your name would be buried….BUT you were buried in Christ.
The death of sin was swallowed up in Victory as His waves washed over you
Hallelujah!!!
(…a lotus flower doesn’t sink, it rises to life )
Many condolences to Suzi’s family and friends. You were the sweetest, kindest friend a person could have. I remember you from growing up together in Northern Ireland - school, playing hockey and just hanging out. May you rest in peace.
My beautiful Auntie Suzi, I can’t believe that you are gone from our lives. You lit up a room with your warmth, and your love and interest in people always inspired me to be a better person. Thank you for the precious memories that I will always hold onto. Your legacy lives on, you touched the lives of so many. Gone but never forgotten, until we meet again xx
Our deepest sympathy and condolence to all the family. We are saddened by Suzi's passing. May gospel comfort strengthen hearts at this time.
David ( cousin) and Gloria and family.
Lots of lovely memories meeting and hanging out with Suzi on our Canada travels. Always so full of life and fun. My thoughts and prayers with all the family at this time.
As I began to write this so many memories come flooding back. Always in awe of my Auntie Suzi when I was growing up I was always drawn not only by your outer beauty but inner beauty as well. So gifted (like all the smith girls)in many many ways. Too many gifts to list. I will never forget the time in Ireland when you took a huge interest in an oak tree I had planted from acorn out of mum and dads garden. I wasn’t very old but I can still visualise walking down with you so proud to show you my tree and so touched to have you take such an interest in it. We chatted for ages about the details and process of the planting. Over 30 years later my tree produced its very first acorns this autumn. This is just one special memory of many. Not to forget the many long conversations we had over the years. Love you auntie Suzi xo
Wonderful memories & lots of messenger conversations/ videos remain. Forever thankful that you were part of my world. Despite the distance you were always interested in the details. You always made such a huge effort to connect when I/ we were in the Calgary area. A super creative, gifted, beautiful soul who was bursting with oodles of love& kindness. Auntie Suzi you will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thanks for your love, encouragement and memories to treasure. You were one of a kind. Our hearts are broken! Rest easy xxx
Such a tragic loss of such a precious & beautiful soul. Suzi was so bubbly and had a gleam in her eye. I’ve always envied her sassy dressing style but it was the gentle sweetness within her that was so touching. I have fond memories of our time in Ireland visiting the family home as children. In Canada, as adults, the connection was sporadic but meaningful.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Ruth Hepburn
We are sorry to hear of Suzi's passing and we want to express our most sincere sympathies to her family during this difficult time. She was a highly valuable and respected member of our team, and very dedicated to the work she did, creating beautiful gardens for our clients. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. - Staff & Management of Peter Hughes Landscape
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