Suzanne Demers Berrey

Suzanne was born in Waterbury, CT, second generation Swiss and spent most of her youth raised by her loving grandmother in New York City. She returned to Connecticut to finish high school. Suzanne graduated from Western Connecticut State University, majoring in Behavioral and Social Psychology with minors in Industrial and Labor Relations and Japanese Culture. She achieved the Dean's List most semesters and was inducted into the National Psi Chi Honor Society. Her career spanned 25 years in the field of Human Resource Management in Connecticut and Tennessee with her last position at Vanderbilt University as an Employee Relations Specialist.

Suzanne's true passion and devotion was the love of nature and all animals, especially dogs and horses. Since her early 20's, she was involved with a variety of animal welfare organizations. She rescued countless stray and abused dogs (and several cats), finding loving responsible homes for them following their recoveries. She volunteered at many shelters and was active on several rescue group boards in Connecticut and Tennessee. In 2008, Suzanne, together with Jolene Richardson, Parish Administrator of her church (St. Andrew Lutheran Church) and with the support of Pastor Susan Springer, created the Animal Welfare Ministry. Donations of food, treats, beds, blankets, toys, and so much more poured in. The love and generosity of the congregation left her overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. She and husband Tom delivered thousands of items to many shelters in middle Tennessee spanning an 8 year period. She cherished her seven precious dogs, all rescues or adopted, throughout her life, and is joyfully reunited with Tippi, Sandy, Danielle, Bo-Bear, Chipper, Sparkey, and Gigi Rose.

Suzanne had many other interests: crossword puzzles, Sudoku, backgammon, cooking, skiing, tennis, football, baseball, hiking and dancing. She was a student and performer of authentic Japanese classical dance for 8 years.

In addition to the animal ministry, she was an active volunteer at her beloved church over many years. She was a Home Eucharist Minister for 5 years, served as a Sunday morning greeter, volunteered at Vacation Bible School and helped with many Celebration of Life receptions. She loved her church family, worship services especially receiving communion, the magnificent music, and the choir. She was very grateful for the spiritual guidance and inspiration from her pastors; Pr. Pearson, Pr. Lippard, Pr. Bonner and Pr. Steinhauer.

Suzanne deeply cherished her family of precious friends. She considered them her "life-blood," God's gifts, and loved and appreciated each one with all her heart.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 908 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin, TN on Saturday, April 5 at 2:00 PM. Everyone is invited to stay for a light luncheon and to visit with Tom following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Suzanne to her favorite animal charities: Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, 765 Nonaville Road, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, PO Box 393, Hohenwald, TN 38462; Horse Plus Humane Society, PO Box 485, Hohenwald, TN 38462; or St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 908 Murfreesboro Rd., Franklin, TN 37064 (memo to the Meditation Garden or Altar Guild).