Longtime Dallas resident Suzanne Brown passed away on July 26th in Bryan, Texas, at the end of a full and love-filled life of over 90 years. Suzanne was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on January 6, 1930 to Olga and Carl Floto. Her older siblings soon nicknamed her Cookie (her favorite word as a toddler), a term of endearment used by family and friends to this day.
Just prior to World War II the Floto family found their way to Texas and took up residence in the vicinity of SMU. Suzanne attended Highland Park High School where she was a cheerleader and formed many of her lifelong friendships. It was also there she met the love of her life, Dick Brown. After her graduation in 1947, she attended Mary Baldwin College and Southern Methodist University where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Suzanne and Dick tied the knot on September 5, 1950 at the First United Lutheran Church in Dallas, then moved down south so that Dick could finish school at UT-Austin.
After college the couple returned to Dallas to be close to family and start one of their own. Suzanne was an extraordinary inspiration to her children, Judy Marshall of Bryan, TX and Rick Brown of Dallas, TX. Over the next 30+ years she raised her kids while supporting the family business and living a busy, fulfilling life of service and care for others. For decades she was a faithful member of First United Lutheran where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and contributed artistically to many projects, including needlepoint communion kneelers and seasonal decorations. Inspired and taught by her mother, she used her seamstress talents to create numerous dresses, elaborate costumes, intricate needlepoints and treasured Christmas stockings. She also served her community through participation in several women’s organizations, volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, worked with Meals on Wheels, and served as an aide at Children’s Medical Center. She and Dick also enjoyed a full social life, including dancing, bridge, tennis, and golf at the Dallas Country Club.
Upon Dick’s retirement they moved to Holly Lake Ranch in East Texas where the couple continued to enjoy bridge, golf, and fellowship through their spiritual home at Holly Tree Chapel. During this period, they both faced extreme health challenges with courage and determination, inspiring everyone around them with their upbeat attitude, abiding faith, and irrepressible love for both others and each other. The couple relocated to Bryan, TX in 2010 to be closer to family and enjoy the loving attention of the dedicated caregivers at St. Joseph Manor. After Dick’s passing 7 months later, Suzanne continued to hold court at the Manor for almost a decade, enjoying the perpetual love and attention of Judy and Kent, frequent family visitations and a 90th birthday party which brought the whole clan together to celebrate her life.
Suzanne is loved and survived by her sister, Bettie Randall of Terrell, TX, her daughter Judy Marshall and husband Kent, her son Rick Brown and wife Kay, five grandchildren (John Marshall, Kristi Neve, Keri McGuire, Aryn Self and Alli Brown), eight great grandchildren (Caden and Mason Marshall; Cypress and Judah Neve; Avery, Brooks and Sadie McGuire; and Devyn Self plus one in the oven!), as well as hundreds of extended family members, friends and acquaintances whose lives she touched. Suzanne is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother William Floto of Tyler, TX.
Suzanne’s life will be celebrated by her immediate family on Monday, August 3rd at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home where she will rest peacefully beside her beloved husband. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Suzanne by supporting Hospice Brazos Valley Charities or the charity of your choice.
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