Susan was born on August 31, 1958 in Makati, Philippines to (Ret.) Colonel Manuel Sararana, who preceded her in death, and Zenaida Sararana, with whom she lived and for whom she cared until her (Susan) death. In addition to being a loving and doting daughter to her parents, Susan was a most generous sister to her siblings and their families: Noel Sararana, his wife, Amparo, and their children, Emmanuel, Zerene and Christian Phillip; Elvis Sararana and his wife, Ruby; Leah Ortega and her children, Harljay, Irean Harl, Nicole, and Louie Glenn; and her baby sister, Irene, who was her partner in many adventures. A precious gift of a sister-at-heart for numerous friends, many called her "Ate," as she had become to them a trusted and fiercely loyal confidante, a wise counsel, a pick-me-upper, the consummate travel companion, and just a complete joy to be with. In her esteemed nursing profession, she was a competent, compassionate, and dependable co-worker to her nursing colleagues.
Susan loved life and she never did things halfway. She would break out in song, from "I Will Survive" to her beloved hymns and yes, even "The Star-Spangled Banner" without much prompting. As someone who was fond of dancing, she was always in front of any line-dance and could do a mean cha-cha. She loved to travel and had traversed the globe right after retirement. Moreover, she had a successful nursing career that spanned more than 40 years, many of which in a leadership role and influenced pivotal work that have become standards of care.
In everything that she did and for everyone she loved, she gave her all and if you happen to be a recipient of this life well lived, you are exceptionally blessed.
Beyond these well-deserved platitudes, what stood out for Susan was her intimate and dynamic relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she invited into her life when she was just 14 years old. This relationship informed and directed every season and passage in her storied life. She had a realization that her beloved Lord is constantly at work in and around her, so she took every opportunity to partner with Him in Kingdom work here on earth. As a long-time member of First Philippine Baptist Church in Missouri City, Texas, she was the most hardworking choir member, working those high Cs as loud and for as long as she could, and churning out the best choreographic moves during Cantatas. She also devoted her time to various ministry work. When the call for overseas missions was presented, she was one of the first to sign up, and she did so again and again. Even COVID, with its mandated distancing, did not stop her service as she took part in several virtual choirs for her home church, Makati Church of Christ Disciples in the Philippines.
In the ebb and flow that characterized her life, her faith was wrapped up in this truth which had become her life verse:
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). She knew that God had a wonderful plan and purpose for her life, and she embraced it wholeheartedly.
"The Good Lord gave me a purpose. He allowed me to be here with you to share His love and to be a witness of the great things He has done for His mission to be fulfilled. The mission field is here and now. There is no better situation or place to share and experience God's goodness and grace. It is my prayer that each and every heart today will have a spiritual experience of knowing Jesus in a way that is life-transforming and joy-fulfilling. All Glory and Honor be to God!" (From Susan's personal testimony)
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