In memorial
Suzanne on Potash Road (Canyon National Park, Utah) less than a month ago. But on 8 November 2006 she died in her sleep. (Click on the photo to see more photos of this adventure.)
Here is what my parents wrote about her this weekend.
Susanne Barr was born 10 November 1949 in Oak Ridge, TN and died in her sleep 8 November 2006 in Beaverton OR. She is survived by her son David Neal Blackorby Jr., her parents John T. and Dorothy C. Barr of Easley SC, her aunt, Ruby Barr Faught of Jonesboro, AR; a sister Dr. Rebecca Evers of Rock Hill, SC and a brother John T. Barr IV and two nieces, Jennifer Del Rosario and Kathleen Barr, as well as two grand nieces, Kayla and Alexandra Del Rosario of Santa Rosa, CA.
As the youngest of three childre, Suzanne was a real scrambler and determined individual who even began her life with a struggle. Her birth was difficult, and she and her mother barely survived. She learned to adapt to changes as her parents moved frequently through five states and two nations. She was determined to have a child, and went to considerable lengths to have David. She devoted herself to supporting David as he grew to become a successful man. She tried many career paths until she found her calling in the rehabilitation of occupational injuries, a path that led her to the position of Manager, Medical Resources, for Liberty Mutual Northwest Insurance Co. where she worked at the time of her death.
She was faithful to her church and was the Elder in charge of personnel; in addition she participated in many neighborhood and city-wide charitable efforts, particularly those that dealt with the assimilation of recent immigrants. She was an ardent gardener, a gifted needlework artist, and home decorator. She took delight in providing a welcoming home for her friends and family.
The last few weeks of her life continued the turmoil of earlier years and included being rear-ended in heavy traffic, damage to her newly remodeled home by a careless utility crew, and a mountain bike tour of the upper canyons of Utah that was beset by thunderstorms and floods. Her peaceful death in bed was in sharp contrast to much of her life.
We will not know why the Lord chose to take her at the pinnacle of her life until we join her later, but we do know she is safe and peaceful in his arms now. As her parents we will always hold her close in our hearts and minds.
