By Anne Fitzgerald
Member, RPV State Central Committee
Suzanne (Dunkle) Curran, of Mt Jackson, passed away on June 15, 2016 at her home in Shenandoah County.
Born May 31, 1938 in Michigan, Suzanne is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim. Suzanne’s pride and joy was her son, Matt, of Arizona. She leaves two grandchildren, Tyler and Riley, and a great grandson, Miles.
Suzanne and Jim were married in 1957 and spent a life of adventure together. Jim was a CIA officer, and his job took them around the world. Suzanne assisted Vietnamese refugees, hosted diplomats in Thailand, and even owned a bar. The stories she would tell—her life was one that was full.
Suzanne held a deep love for her country. She was a patriot in the truest sense. Suzanne revered the Constitution and fought hard to preserve it. She supported and worked tirelessly for candidates who understood, respected, and defended our Constitution.
But more than anything, Suzanne was a friend and mentor. She would spend hours traveling and visiting with folks. She would guide and direct, always saying the future was in the hands of the youth and we needed to make sure they were properly trained up.
She loved children—of every age—and had a collection of adopted sons, daughters, and grandchildren who loved her dearly. She’d end a visit with, “I love you kiddo.” And she meant it.
Suzanne was brazen. She was fierce. She did not mince words. She had a great sense of humor, loved her beer, and did not miss a Washington Capitals hockey game. If you called her on the phone during a game, you knew you’d be interrupted with cheers, jeers, and score updates. She liked things a certain way and always stuck to her guns, as they say.
Suzanne was a woman of deep faith. She believed in God and His divine wisdom. She was confident in His plan, and found peace in that knowledge.
The Commonwealth is mourning the loss of a patriot today. But Suzanne would tell us to stop with the tears. She’d tell us to get out there and fight. She’d want us to focus our energies on taking care of one another.
Suzanne, so many will miss you deeply, my friend. Thank you for your wisdom, your inspiration, your friendship, your example, your patience, your love, and sharing of your life with all of us. You were selfless and fearless, and a woman like no other.
