Susan Suchla

Susan K. Suchla (10/22/1957-7/27/2025)

Instead of the traditional obituary that is the most common, this is a representation of a life lived with courage, determination, and admiration.

Military/Air Force Retired of 20+ years Susan's realm was primarily served as a registered nurse and medic. She took great pride in serving our country doing what she believed in, being stationed in many countries including Korea, Spain, and Mexico, just to name a few.

Her accomplishments, dedication, and gift of love are only a few can achieve. She gave "her back" in supporting her family as her being the oldest of 7 children: Sharon, Marilyn, Ronald, Rosemary, Janet, and Gary. Born to Raymond and Mary Suchla on 10-22-1957.

Read this poem and reflect on your "Dash".

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on the tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of birth
and spoke the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that they spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved them
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
the cars...the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard;
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
and more often wear a smile,
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read,
with your life's actions to rehash...
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you lived your dash?

Such as "The Dash", Susan's wishes were simple. She preferred to have no formal services, but did want to buried at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Independence, in the military section with a private service and honors. This will be held at a later date.

Susan's "dash" is now complete.