We bid a sudden and heartbreaking farewell to Suzie, hardly able to believe that we would no longer see her flash that brilliant smile. Or hear her voice, using gutsy and colorful language that had us raising our eyebrows one minute and nodding in agreement the next.

Suzie was a strong (and occasionally stubborn) Jersey girl, born and raised in the Garden State before venturing out west to New Mexico. She eventually found the home of her dreams, tucked away in Glorieta with her beloved dogs and cats.

Those who knew her, knew that she had an energy that was sometimes fierce, sometimes tender, and a little bit bad-ass when necessary. But no matter what, her heart was always filled with genuine love, no matter whether it was returned or not. You were safe with her. She was colorful, and at times flamboyant, her long silver hair a crown fit for a princess. A beautiful woman, inside and out.

Her lifelong passion for helping animals shaped her career as a veterinary technician, and ultimately led to her formation of Peace of Mind Animal Rescue of NM. She faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles in the tough and sometimes heartbreaking business of rescuing animals, never wavering in her commitment to do her very best for each cat and dog, many of them in high kill shelters.

She had a headful of ambitions and business ideas, but not enough time in this life to fulfill them. A few were realized: she started a mobile pet nail trimming business and established a regular clientele, and as a side gig, she was thrilled to serve as a bartender at a local Santa Fe hotel, something she had always wanted to do.

Suzie's life was a beautiful canvas of interests, ranging from her profound love of animals to spending time in nature, whether it was camping, fishing or just enjoying a glass of wine watching the sunset. She was a huge fan of the music of Queensryche, jamming to their songs as she stood front and center at their concerts. She had a natural ability to strike up a conversation with the patron next to her on a barstool or a those sitting at neighboring tables in restaurants with ease and good humor. She loved eating out and writing reviews of her dining experiences. The last few years were some of the best ones of her life, and it was evident in her radiance and the self-confidence she had gained from rising above life's challenges.

There was an abundance of things Suzie could masterfully control, and some she could not. Ultimately, it was the latter that took her from us. Her light is achingly missed.

Suzie is survived by her boyfriend, Darren Reynolds, who loves her more than words can convey. Left to miss her also are her dog family whom she adored as dearly as children: Shady, Vino, Darla, Cinnamon, Aspen and Hero, along with four cats. In honoring her wishes, they will be carefully matched with new families in due time.

How long did you know Suzie? A decade? A year? A week? It hardly matters, except that you were blessed to have known her at all. Take whatever memories you have of her and keep them close to your heart. Be a little kinder. Crack a joke. Make a bold statement and don't back down. Wear the lipstick. And think of Suzie.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7