Suzanne B. Parks

Suzanne Parks, age 96, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023. - well loved by all who knew her. She was born Suzanne Bailey on August 15th, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Dr. Don and Ella Bailey. She had one younger brother, Richard Bailey, now deceased. Her mother died early, and the Bailey children were raised by their father. Suzanne married Arthur Parks and they proceeded to build a good life and raise a family of five children.

Sue and her husband moved to Fort Wayne in 1958 and built a home on South Drive in 1961. Suzanne was a great mom—a good listener, supportive but firm, fun and easy-going, a lighthouse during the storms of life. The Parks’ were “lake people.” Sue and Art boated and camped with the whole crew, including the baby in diapers. Many family memories were made at Lake Wawasee, in Michigan, and beyond.

Suzanne will be missed by all her children, Andre "Tripp" (Marie), Tim (Sharon Marie), Patti (Mark), Jeff (Sharon) and Michael (Jeanne); ten grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren who called her Grandma Great or “GG.”

The family feels special gratitude for the angels who helped Sue live in her own home during years of poor health. Son Jeff and his family (Sharon, Nick, Heather and spouses) led the 'Mom Team'. Sue’s forever friends, Kristi Wilson and Rena Herron, stopped by regularly for coffee talk, and they kept her house in order. Granddaughter, Rachel, miraculously rigged up Grandma’s first ever iPad that proved invaluable when she lived alone during the pandemic. Homebound Meals volunteers delivered hot meals and checked in on her for several years.

Finally, the entire family stands in awe of caregivers, Jeri Westmorland and her sister Trinity, who cared for Sue Parks with love and kindness in the final stretch. No words can express the family’s appreciation.

Funeral Service is 3:00 pm Saturday, Oct. 14 at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Rd with calling three hours prior.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, 6316 Mutual Dr, Fort Wayne, IN 46825.