Suzanne Lasko

Suzanne Lasko, 75, a lifelong advocate of mental health awareness, a stimulating conversationalist, a visionary, a community leader, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Suzanne Lasko Memorial Fund at Mental Health Housing Development Corp., 929 Hemphill, Fort Worth, Texas 76104, attention: Norbert White. Suzanne was a bridge builder and brought many people with diverse interests together. She was a "big picture" person. She loved Fort Worth. Suzanne earned a B.A. from the University of Colorado where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Kappa Kappa Gamma. She also received an M.A. in American culture from the University of Michigan. Suzanne was the executive director of the Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, member of the school board of the Fort Worth Independent School District and a co-founder of Kline and Lasko, Commercial & Investment Real Estate Co. Kline and Lasko was the first female-owned commercial investment and real estate company in Tarrant County. In the mid-1980s, Suzanne was instrumental in the formation of Historic Southside, Inc., organizing the near south side business and residential communities to revitalize the Magnolia Street corridor. Drawing funds from the national Main Street sources, the streetscape improvements on Magnolia provided a structure that drew businesses and restaurants to this area. The results are seen in today's continued vitality of this urban business and residential district. Above all, Suzanne contributed an immeasurable amount of her time, talent and treasure as an advocate for those who suffer from mental illness. Her inspiration and drive came from witnessing the challenges faced by a family member who suffered from mental illness. She served as the chairman of the Tarrant County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services. In 1996, Suzanne was given the distinguished honor of the Tarrant County Mental Health Association's Advocate of the Year. That same year she received the prestigious Frank Adams Individual Award presented to her by the Texas Council of MHMR Centers. Her experience, knowledge, business acumen, compassion and dedication epitomized the spirit of Frank Adams for whom the honor was named. Known to all as a thoughtful, vocal, gracious and passionate leader, no one was more spirited or full of life than Suzanne Lasko. Suzanne loved to host intimate dinner parties where she would fill her guests with gourmet dishes and good wine. Politics and current events were sure to be discussed at these gatherings. She took an annual trip to Gasparilla Island, Fla., with her close friends every year. Suzanne and Bernie enjoyed having friends visit them at their home in South Carolina. Many remember travelling to the Spoleto Performing Arts Festival as a special time with Suzanne. Suzanne was an avid reader and as a Master Gardener spent many days gardening with her beloved husband, Bernie. She loved her family and spending time with them on many vacations, especially her precious grandchildren. It was very hard for Suzanne to sit still for any length of time. She lived her life with passion, purpose and urgency. Suzanne was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Hamilton Lowry. Survivors: Her husband, Bernie Lasko; children, Kim and Ed Miles, Gary and Irina Miles, Anne and Steve Lasko, Sharon and Chris Doan; sisters, Linda Kay Lowry and Lana Lowry Hadlock; and seven grandchildren.