Suzanne Claudia Duhamel Tignor

HAMPTON - Suzanne Claudia Duhamel Tignor died Wednesday evening, April 5, 2006, at her home in Fox Hill. Suzanne's life was full, and in many ways self-crafted. She concentrated on her spiritual journey, created a strong, balanced family life for her husband, her children and her grandchildren, developed herself professionally and made strong, lasting friendships. Suzanne was a long time member of the Williamsburg Friends Meeting. For many years she was convener of the Faith and Practice Committee. At her death she was co-clerk of the meeting. She practiced her Quaker faith in her daily life and looked to the light of God for guidance and discipline. A vibrant, faithful friend, a self-taught gifted cook, a gracious host and a serious steward of the environment (she picked up trash during each walk on Grandview beach), Suzanne left the world better than she found it in many ways. She pursued learning and as an adult, completed her bachelor degree at Hampton University and masters degree in Social Work at VCU, and was licensed as a Clinical Social Worker. She practiced extensively as a psychotherapist in both public and private settings. She brought to that vocation not only training and skill, but love, compassion and understanding. Suzanne's most important work was being the partner of her husband Rhet for 44 years. That and the birthing and raising of their three children always came first in her heart and mind. The family is indebted to Dr. Mark Ellis and all of the members of his medical team, and to Ms. Cynthia Williams, RN, of the Sentara Hospice for the excellent medical care, human compassion and loving kindness they extended to Suzanne. Suzanne leaves behind to treasure their time with her, her husband Rhet; her son, Edward and his wife, Shyami; her daughter, Emily Keenum and her husband, Brook; and her son, Jim and his wife, Lauri. In addition Suzanne deeply loved her six grandchildren, Jack, Mira, Will, Ben, Niky and Sam. Suzanne maintained a strong, vibrant relationship with her college roommate and traveling companion, Susanne Tignor Kolpa. She felt deep love for her Aunt Lucille who along with Lucille's recently departed husband, Laurent Desrosiers, raised Suzanne after the death of her parents. She is also survived by a sister, Madeleine Cavalarro; a brother, Marcel Duhamel; and very loved first cousins, Larry Desrosiers and Raymond and Claire Leclerc. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home on South Armistead Avenue in Hampton. There will be a memorial service at the funeral home chapel at 3 p.m. Sunday.