In the fall of 2009 I discovered I had kidney cancer. I had surgery to remove one kidney which I thought had solved my problems. However in February 2016 the emperor of all maladies returned to my liver. I died February 18, 2017.
I have lived a long life and I have no regrets. I was born in December 1943 to Leska Howard Harrison and A.F. (Buster) Harrison in Amarillo, Texas. I thank them so much for their unconditional love and for giving me a wonderful childhood and the guidance I needed for adulthood, in Lubbock, Texas. I thank all my cousins who were always great fun and made me laugh. I graduated from high school in Lubbock. I thank the professors and friends that guided me through a good BA education at Texas Tech University and a Master of Science work at the University of Texas at Arlington. It was there that I met my loving husband-to-be Michael K. Suarez and we married in 1971. Mike and I have had a terrific life together and so many adventures. I could not have asked for anything better. I am so thankful that he can always make me laugh and could always make my mother laugh. I am so happy that my daddy was so proud of him and loved him like the son he never had.
I would like to thank all the Social Worker friends that I got to know and learned from in all of the child welfare agencies where I worked. These include the child welfare departments in Texas; Boston Children’s Services; the Child Welfare League of America in Washington, D.C.; DePelchin Children’s Home; Methodist Children’s Home; and Spaulding Children’s Services in Houston, Texas. This was the best career that I could have ever imagined. I thank all the children, foster and adoptive parents who taught me about bravery and love. My second career as the volunteer coordinator of the Harris County Democratic Party in Houston was so much fun. I am so thankful to all the good people that I got to know there.
I would also thank all the good friends that Mike and I met when we moved to Moab. Everyone that we got to know was so welcoming and kind to us during the years that we have lived here. We were so lucky to find such a beautiful place to live where every day we can see the mountains, the rim, the red rocks, and the beautiful red desert. It has been a wonderful life here with the love of my life Mike, and I could not have asked for anything more. I now join my parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles who I look forward to seeing again.
Funeral services are pending at the Rest Haven Funeral Home in Lubbock, Texas.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
