We sadly share the news that J. Suzanna Laurent, STC Fellow and former STC President (2005–2006), died on Monday, 26 December 2011. Suzanna had been valiantly fighting cancer for the past three years, but was taken from us by injuries she received in a fall.
Suzanna was a consummate professional in whatever she did. She led STC with heart and yet managed to make hard decisions when it was necessary. She guided our Board of Directors in a very difficult time and managed the challenges with intelligence and success. Many of us learned from her and treasure the experience.
“Suzanna Laurent was the personification of grace and courage under intense fire,” said STC Executive Director Kathryn Burton. “She took on the leadership of STC during a particularly challenging time and as an individual she faced incredible personal difficulties that would have felled a lesser soul. She was well loved and will be missed.”
“Suzanna served as President during a particularly complex transition from an older style of governance to a more streamlined, transparent, and open style,” said STC President Hillary Hart. “She was incredible: she brought together the disparate factions within STC and showed great courage and leadership. I am honored to follow in her footsteps.”
Services will be held on 30 December 2011 at 2:00 PM CST (GMT-6) at the following location. Interment follows as noted.
Mercer Adams Chapel
3925 N. Asbury Ave.
Bethany, Oklahoma 73008
Interment
Memorial Park Cemetery
13400 N. Kelley
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73131
Many members knew her husband, Leroy, who occasionally accompanied her to STC events. If you would like his address to send a note or card, please email Kevin Cuddihy at STC.
We are all extremely saddened that we have lost such a vibrant, powerful, and phenomenal leader. However, her contributions to our profession and our organization will live on indefinitely.
A few members have asked about donating to STC in memory of Suzanna Laurent and her service to the Society. In response to these requests, the STC Board of Directors will soon establish a Presidents Fund to honor the memory of Suzanna and all other former STC presidents. We will have full details about the Presidents Fund available in January, and the fund will have a Web page on the STC site with information on donating and a list of donors. If you would like to make a donation now to honor Suzanna (or another former president), please email Greg Larsen at STC and your donation will be included in the Presidents Fund when it is finalized.
Other organizations that played a part in Suzanna’s life include the American Cancer Society and the National Kidney Foundation. Click the links for information about donating to those organizations.