Susie Ferry
October 19, 2008
From Susie's home:
With Gregg (her husband) by her side and Craig (her son) and Kristi (daughter-in-law) close by, Susie left us in the way she wished. Quietly and buoyed by much love, in her home and surrounded by family and friends, she slipped away without pain. Marcy and Mona (friends from San Fran)are honored to have shared this moment.
She felt very loved. You all sent many prayers and wishes. She felt your thoughts or cards or calls in her heart -- which readied her for the end. Even though it was time and she did as she wished, we're very sad.
As we mourn our earthly loss, rejoice in the transition for which she was ready. She is dearly beloved by all of us and she left us feeling our love.
At Susie's request you will have two opportunities to share with friends and family:
Wednesday 29 October 2008 from 3pm to 9pm there will be an open house in Susie's beloved home at 3344 Appian Road, Carlsbad, California 92010 to remember and celebrate her life. You can write a short message or prayer for Susie that she will carry with her.
Saturday 1 November 2008 from 1pm to 8pm there will be another open house at the Schorow's, 6717 Edgemoor Way, San Jose, 95129 to share our final remembrances and celebration. Here we will send everyone's messages and prayers with her.
Donations in Susie's memory can be made to The American Cancer Society, Susan B Komen, or local hospice. Flowers may be sent to the Schorow's to arrive either the 31 October or 1 November
From: Gregg, Craig, Kristi, Mona, Marcy, and many other dear family and friends
In Susie's words:
When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer I remember lying on my bed thinking about my life so far, wondering if I would have any regrets if I should die right then. I was in a great second marriage, My son was getting close to being on his own; I would miss seeing him through many of life's cycles but I knew he would be O.K. I had good family relationships, and I had many wonderful friends. I was proud that on top of a marketing job I had been competitive in many marathons and even more triathlons. My regret was that I hadn't continued doing fine arts after college. This was eight years ago. In 1999 the cancer reoccurred in my lung, I was told that I would survive one to two years. Since then I have spent much time focusing on my health making many extreme life style changes. A new and happier life is unfolding for me; I am now doing all the things I love. I'm doing triathlons, pursuing art, and spending more time with friends and family, and traveling. Travel has included surf lessons in Costa Rica, cycling in Italy, and painting in Hawaii. Painting is my main focus. I like to paint simple, bright, and loose. I'm very drawn to flowers. The colors, contours, and constant movement from bud to falling petals are a delightful distraction. Flowers change so quickly I just have to stop and paint them. I started by hand painting greeting cards for friends. I was encouraged by the fact they would drop the small paintings into frames rather than sending them to friends. I'm delighted to announce that during these past six years I have remained healthy and am currently in remission. My miraculous recovery affirms my belief that pursuing one's passion is not only good for the soul, but also the body. Thus, I am excited about this wonderful opportunity to present my work to you.Susie's website: http://susieferry.com/website/welcome.html
Susie's cancer returned and eventually took her life in the wee morning hours of October 19, 2008. She painted until a few days before she died. She was surrounded by friends and family until she slipped away. She lived life with no regrets.