1935 – 2019
Sue Katherine “Susie” (Kirk) Laguarta, born December 11, 1935, peacefully went to be with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, June 28, 2019. Susie is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, Julio S. Laguarta, 7 children and their spouses, 20 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. As well as her brother, Jon Kirk, his wife, Mary Nell and many nieces and nephews.
Susie was born in Jefferson City, Missouri. Her parents were Graydon Lansford “Dub” Kirk and Eugenia Brandom Kirk. Her father was a radio station executive in Beaumont, where Susie grew up and went to high school. Unfortunately, her father died when Susie was 13. This left her mother, Eugenia, to care for her and her brother, Jon, creating a very strong bond between them.
Susie was introduced to her husband, Julio Sterling Laguarta, by Jon during a visit to Austin her senior year of high school. After that blind date, Susie told her friend, Pat Loper, that she was going to marry Julio. After graduating from Beaumont High School, Susie enrolled at the University of Texas, where she pledged Kappa Alpha Theta. It was on the third date, at a UT football game that Julio looked at her and decided she was going to be the girl he married. He proposed to her the following Monday, which she accepted. What was at first to be a Spring Break wedding, was moved up to a Mid-semester wedding and finally a Civil Ceremony in early December. Susie never wanted to burden her mother with the expense of a wedding and suggested they elope. That was December, 1954.
Julio and Susie’s grand love story started in 1954 and was just that, Grand. Many have and will say that there was never a greater love between 2 people. They have 7 children, Julio L. (Julie), Doug (Alice), Linda Adams (Charlie Adams), Kirk (Teri), Graydon (Brenda), Jennifer Jones (Jay Jones), and Sterling (Stephanie). Susie was also blessed with 20 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and countless family and friends.
Susie greatest accomplishment was raising her seven children. She saw each of them as being special and treasured that they each had their own personality. She listened to the daily trials and tribulations of each and encouraged each to do their best. These conversations usually taking place in the kitchen or at the dinner table.
Throughout their 64 loving years together, Susie and Julio truly enjoyed life. This was always apparent by her sparkling eyes, big smile and contagious laughter. She and Julio traveled the world together visiting many states and countries, but her favorite place to visit was Hawaii. She loved the beautiful water and breathtaking scenery. However, her most treasured times were with her family in their homes in Crested Butte, CO, Palm Desert, CA, and Port O’Connor, TX. Her days were filled with skiing, fishing, golf, tennis, an abundance of laughter and amazing meals, that were prepared by Susie and her many sous chefs.
Her love of cooking was enjoyed on vacations and at home. With all of her children, their spouses, and grandchildren having “their favorite meal”. Susie happily prepared the “favorite” for whoever was visiting. She also shared some of her delicacies in a cookbook for all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy for generations to come. She was truly gifted and could re-create any meal she had in her travels or restaurants she had dined.
With a very full life, Susie, as asked once in her later years, “What is your perfect day?”. She answered, “It doesn’t take much to make me happy these days. I enjoy a relaxed schedule meeting a minimum of housework. I like to take a nap or read for an hour or so. Just to hang out all day is heaven. I’m very fortunate to have these kinds of days to enjoy. Each day I wait for an inspiration for cooking.” This, of course, with her loving husband near.
She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which several members of her family have also been afflicted with, 14 years ago but fought through it valiantly. Susie’s daily life always consisted of 3 constants in 64 years of marriage – a kiss goodnight, a good morning kiss and many “I love you’s” throughout the day. Julio was her rock, love of her life and caregiver for many years. Julio never allowing for a day that she did not know that she was loved dearly and deeply.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations, in her name, to Alzheimer’s Association.
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