Thelma Quejada Suson

November 29, 1946 – June 11, 2025

With profound sadness and deep love, we announce the passing of Thelma Quejada Suson, affectionately known by many as “Mom,” “Lola,” sister, auntie, and friend, who departed this life on June 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on November 29, 1946, in Cebu, Philippines, Thelma grew up surrounded by close-knit family and deep-rooted values that would shape her life’s work and relationships. She immigrated to the United States, where she raised her family in San Francisco, California, later settling in the Dallas, Texas area, where she spent the last 30 years of her life.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Reynaldo M. Suson; her mother, Rustica de la Peña; and her father, Sulpicio Quejada. She is survived by her devoted children: Enrica Suson and husband Clarence Mabanag, Karina Bass and husband Joseph Bass, and Rey (RJ) Suson and wife Mercedes Suson. She was the proud and loving grandmother of Mia Claire (21), Michael (19), William (17), Kara (11), Parker (8), Reilly (8), Jaden (8), and Nicole (4). She is also survived by her dear siblings: Rudolfo Quejada and his wife Nilda, Elsa Villordon and her late husband Vicente Villordon, Emma Gacayan and her late husband Paterno Gacayan, and Mila Ouano and her husband Felix Ouano. She leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, all of whom were touched by her warmth and love.

Thelma dedicated over 25 years to the airline industry, retiring from Delta Air Lines, where she not only worked with passion but also built lifelong friendships. In 2001, after a personal battle with cancer, she walked her first Survivor Lap with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life just after completing chemotherapy. That powerful moment ignited a life of advocacy and service.

Over the next two decades, Thelma became a global leader in the fight against cancer. She founded Delta’s first Relay For Life team in 2002 and seeing a need, helped expand Relay efforts internationally from Asia to Europe and South Africa —including Japan in 2010 and the Philippines in 2012. Thelma was instrumental in the development of survivor storytelling through the Heroes of Hope (now Voices of Hope) program. In recognition of her tireless dedication, she was inducted into the Relay for Life Hall of Fame in November 2024.

Thelma was known and loved for her beautiful, kind smile and her boundless generosity. She had a heart that always made room for others—becoming a second mom and grandma to many, opening her home and heart to friends and family alike. She remained deeply connected to her roots, giving back to her schools in the Philippines through projects that built libraries and supported education. Her faith in God was unwavering, and her love for family knew no limits.

Thelma leaves behind a legacy of strength, grace, and service. She taught us how to love deeply, give generously, and live joyfully—no matter what life brings.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 11:00 am at Stonebriar Funeral Home, 10375 Preston Rd, Frisco, TX 75033 followed by Funeral services at 12:00 pm at the same location.

In our hearts forever, Thelma Quejada Suson