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SUZANNE M. "SUZY" BEARD

SUZANNE M. "SUZY" BEARD obituary, Fort Wayne, IN

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Fort Wayne, Indiana

SUZANNE BEARD Obituary

SUZANNE M. "SUZY" BEARD, 70, of Fort Wayne, died Monday, March 18, 2019. Born Sept. 25, 1948, in Fort Wayne, Suzy was the daughter of the late George and Edna Piepen brink. She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. She received her Associates degree in dental hygiene and later received her Bachelor's in education with honors. Suzy then pursued a career as a dental hygienist for 46 years and volunteered and worked with the Matthew 25 Health and Dental Clinic for over 25 years. In addition to her career and raising her family, her life's mission was helping the less fortunate. She lived by two guiding principles, "Love God first and love thy neighbor". Through her work with Miss Virginia's Mission House where she volunteered for over 35 years, she lead the annual Holiday Turkey Dinner drive and started Miss Virginia Gardens. She was also a dedicated volunteer to St. Martins Health Care Services and the Euell Wilson Community Center. While most of her service was done in Allen County, she also traveled to Honduras to provide dental services and to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. She received the Unsung Hero Award from Tower Bank in 2004 and served on the board of the Franciscan Center. Regardless of what or where, she strived to meet the needs of the needy. Everything Suzy did in life she did with an a passion and energy that inspired all around her. Suzy is survived by her husband of 48 years, William Beard; mother-in-law, Alice C. Beard of Fort Wayne; children, Christopher M. Beard of San Francisco, Calif., Erin L. (Hazen IV) Kreis and Kelly S. (Seth) Arensten, both of Fairfax, Calif.; grandsons, Hazen V, Holden, Vander and Nash; brothers, David Piepenbrink of Dunnellon, Fla., and Jim D. (Susie Boggan) Piepenbrink of Fremont, Ind.; and sisters, Carolyn (Thomas) Alter of Dunnellon, Fla., and Mary L. (Terry) Harkenrider of Fort Wayne. Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Monday, March 25, 2019, at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 E. Wallen Road, with calling one hour prior. Visitation also from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 24, 2019, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne. Burial will be at a later date, in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Euell A. Wilson Community Center 1512 Oxford St. Fort Wayne, IN or Miss Virginia's Mission House, 1312 S. Hanna St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Mar. 21, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for SUZANNE BEARD

Not sure what to say?





Karen Masbaum Yoder

March 8, 2024

Suzy was a rare gem and a true friend to so many people. We were childhood friends growing up on Meridian Street in Fort Wayne and stayed in touch through the years. I am grateful for all the good that she did and the help that she gave to soooo many people. She was a wonderful person!
Karen Masbaum Yoder

paul reszel

March 15, 2023

she was such an asset to St Vincent church activities always pleasant she is missed
Paul Reszel

PAUL RESZEL

March 15, 2021

She was a delight to be around May she rest in peace

Mary Cooper

March 31, 2019

Dear Beard family,
My most sincere and heartfelt condolences. I have never met a person who gave so much of herself to help others. She touched so many lives and will be missed!
God bless you all!

March 27, 2019

Suzy: You always shared a smile with me and showed me what dedication to others really means. Brad Isbister

Liz Purdy

March 25, 2019

Suzy, your light shines bright in your beautiful family. Rest In Peace ❤

With love from Liz, Bruce, Inga, Siobhan, and Torrense

ann crawford

March 25, 2019

Bill
We are not in town now and sorry that I can
not be there for you. So sorry for your loss. Will contact you when we get back.

Cheryl Harenrider

March 25, 2019

Suzy,
We weren't blood sisters but Sisters in Christ. Though you taught me what it meant to myself.
You always had a compassion for others with an open heart is what set you apart. I saw that every time we were together.
Your sparkling eyes radiated with shine and your smile was so sincere as you helped others in their time of need whatever it have been. Your heart was BIGGER than the ocean though I'd never seen it only through pictures.
I know Mother Theresa is very proud of you. I AM.
Your Sister in Christ,
Cheryl

Ocleva

March 25, 2019

My condolences to Suzy's husband, their children, her family and friends. We will miss Suzy. Rest in peace my Sister. I love you. I will continue to pray for family, friends, and those Suzy ministered to.

Debbie Maysack

March 24, 2019

Suzy was there for everybody; always giving and never asking for anything in return. She was a true friend to so many of us- even if we lived miles apart.
She will be missed by so many. Sending love and prayers to Bill and family. Rest In Peace my friend.

Anna Marr

March 24, 2019

Suzy and I recently got to know one another through St Martins Dental Clinic. She was thoughtful and had such a kind heart. She will be missed dearly. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the entire family during this difficult time.

Sheli Taulbee

March 24, 2019

Suzy was indeed an angel here on earth. Her love for our Lord, her family, friends, colleagues, patients and fellow human beings shined brightly in her actions and smile. Suzy was a compassionate soul who truely exemplified a life well lived. Suzy, I will miss your smiling face and I will treasure the many warm memories of you in my heart.
My deepest sympathy to the Beard family.

Jennifer O'Herron

March 24, 2019

Wisdom 7: 24-26

Wisdom is busier than all active things, and reaches everywhere by reason of her purity. For she is a breath of the power of God, and a certain pure revelation of the glory of the almighty God; and therefore nothing defiled comes into her. For she is the reflection of eternal light, and the unspotted mirror of God's majesty, and the image of his goodness.

Jennifer O'Herron

March 24, 2019

I had the honor of growing up with Susie's children. She had a presence something beautifully powerful.. I now know..

WISDOM 7: 24-26

Wisdom is busier than all active things, and reaches everywhere by reason of her purity. For she is a breath of the power of God, and a certain pure revelation of the glory of the almighty God; and therefore nothing defiled comes into her. For she is the reflection of eternal light, and the unspotted mirror of God's majesty, and the image of goodness.

Alluring Elegance Bouquet

Jennifer O'Herron

Sent Flowers

March 23, 2019

Having known Suzy since high school, I only have positive things to say. One never saw Suzy without a smile and a positive attitude. She was extremely caring and always around to give a helping hand. My deepest sympathy to Bill and family.

Kathy Voors-Underhill

Sandy Mueller-Winter

March 23, 2019

My sincerest sympathy to Bill and family.
My thoughts and prayers extend to you all.

Kelly and Tim Lynch

March 23, 2019

Our hearts are breaking to hear of Suzie's passing. We met Suzie through Matthew25 where we witnessed first hand her kindness and concern for people in need. She truly exemplified living the Christian life everyday and was one of God's most faithful servants. She was an Angel here on earth and will be greatly missed. God bless her soul and her beautiful family.

Alluring Elegance Bouquet

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Pastel Peace Basket

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Deborah Alter

March 22, 2019

Prayers & hugs to the family. Sad to hear of Suzy's passing. Such a fun & sweet person. Rick & I have fond memories of the fun-filled weddings in Florida.

The Spirited Grace Lily Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

NANCY WINSKI

Sent Flowers

White Orchid Planter

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Jean Fishbaugh

March 22, 2019

I met Suzy in 1973 at Dr R. Leininger's dental office where I joined the dental team .. we became fast friends ... and then we continued to work together at Dr Ron Duch's office. I feel fortunate to have watched her beautiful family grow up . She was so proud of her children and her grandchildren , of Bill and Bills mom , Alice . Suzy was a true Angel on Earth with a heart of gold for everyone and especially the unfortunate. She taught us all about Gods love ❤ And how we all can be kind and gentle,caring and giving of our time to help others❤ Let's make her proud ! May she Rest In Peace , now and forever more
My thoughts and prayers go out to Bill, Chris,Erin,Kelly,Alice , and her siblings at this difficult time. My Love, Jean Fishbaugh

Jim McKiernan (JKM)

March 21, 2019

Susie/Suzy was one of the nicest persons that I met along the road of life and a good friend

Doug Williams

March 21, 2019

So very sad to learn of Suzy's passing. What a special, unique woman she was. Can anyone, anywhere be more giving than was she? Bill and family in my thoughts as they are in the thoughts of so many.

Barbara Neubacher

March 21, 2019

The light that God placed in Susie's heart will continue to shine it the lives of the people she touched. She touched my life as she taught me so much when I worked with her at Matthew 25.

Kelley (Hostetler) Flores

March 21, 2019

Sending my love, and lifting the entire family up in prayer.

Kristen Shinn

March 21, 2019

Sorry to hear of her passing. She was such a sweet lady.

Teresa Pyle

March 21, 2019

I've known Suzy since I was a child from going to Dr Duch's office. We always chose her to be our hygienist for every visit. Her and I shared a very personal conversation when I got a cancer diagnosis over 10 years ago. She was such a caring person. She'll always hold a special place in my heart. Heaven got a true angel.

Linda Smith

March 21, 2019

As a fellow hygienist, I always enjoyed visiting with Suzy at meetings we attended! Such a wonderful, caring person! She will be missed by so many.....rest in peace sweet girl!

Susyn GiaQuinta

March 21, 2019

I have been honored to know Suzi for many years-through Matthew 25 and our Dental Hygiene association. Our community has lost a compassionate spokesperson and caregiver for the marginalized in our society. She has touched many lives, and hopefully her memory will be a beacon of light for future generations. My prayers are for your family. May you find joy celebrating her life and legacy. Sending much love-

Isabel Hagerman

March 21, 2019

May her memory be a blessing. She sure was a woman of great faith . The community have lost a true saint.
The last time I saw Susie was a couple of months ago at the Cathedral. Always an inspiration. A beautiful smile all the time.
My condolences to Bill and children .

Kathy Clampitt

March 21, 2019

Suzy and I worked together as dental hygienists at Dr. Bob Leininger's office. She was always so ultra caring, insightful, gave so much love to anyone in need and made our work fun. There is a special place in Heaven for this dear Angel. May she rest in peace and sunshine which she so loved. She and I used to lay in the sun on our lunch hour. Loving prayers to Bill and family.
Kathy Clampitt

Gena Collins

March 21, 2019

Such a big hole left in our hearts when Suzy left us. I will miss you so my dear sister in Christ. I have no doubt in my mind that our good Lord wrapped His loving arms around His precious child and said the words we so long to hear.."Well done good and faithful servant ...welcome home"

Susan Wall

March 21, 2019

Suzy always had a smile on her face and a wonderful energy about her. She was always full of God's love and shared that love everywhere she went. She will be missed.

Linda Craig

March 21, 2019

Suzy was my dental hygienist for over 35 years, she was such an amazing and giving person. She was admired by many and will be so greatly missed.

Paul Reszel

March 21, 2019

Miss Virginia always called her Sue, and so did I. What she did through her work with Miss Virginia and Matthew 25 cannot be measured. She is one of the treasures God put on the Earth, and she will be greatly missed. (from the "other" Paul Reszel.)

Bob and Maggie Warnock

March 21, 2019

Our love and sincere sympathy to Suzy's family.

March 21, 2019

Many of us talk the talk , but few of us walk the walk. Suzy walked the walk her entire life. Her deeds are a celebration of what life is really about- helping others in need.

Condolences to Bill, her children and family.

- Tom Biggs

Christine Stephan

March 21, 2019

Suzy was an amazing person and hygienist. She made such a positive impact on her patients and the community, as a whole. She loved people with every fiber of her being and I admired her drive and desire to make everyone's life a little better. She will be incredibly missed.

Keith Burns

March 21, 2019

Suzy was a Saint in the making. She will be greatly missed.

March 21, 2019

Suzy was the most energetic,giving person who truly had the heart for the "least of these". I've heard many times that she was the Mother Teresa of Fort Wayne. I pray for peace for Suzy and her precious family.

Emily Paris

March 21, 2019

Suzy has been a friend of our family since I can remember. She had such a loving and kind heart, always giving to others . I am in total shock of her passing as I just spoke to her a couple months ago. She loved her family and grandchildren and always spoke about them. If there is anyone that has a seat in Heaven it is Suzy. She loved the Lord and spent her life giving and serving others. You will be truly missed Suzy but I KNOW you are home with the Savior. Love to your family as we wait to be together again.
Emily Paris (Sholl)

Alluring Elegance Bouquet

Jeffrey Shambaugh

Sent Flowers

PAUL RESZEL

March 21, 2019

Her kind thoughtful wonderful presence will be missed. May she rest in well earned peace and pray for us from above.

Matt Scheer

March 21, 2019

Suzy Beard was the kindest, most genuine, caring person that I've ever known. She always made me feel better after seeing her, and I'm glad to have known her.

Sincere condolences to Bill, Chris, Erin, Kelly and family.

Cindy Panyard-Debets-Smeltzley

March 21, 2019

My prayers are with all of you at this time. Suzy was my lifelong friend, we grew up on the same street, went to the same grade school and a 1966 graduate of Central Catholic H.S.. I will miss her dearly, she is with many of our classmates and her family now. God bless all of you and pray for strength. Much love Cindy

Dick and Rose Henry

March 21, 2019

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Dave Hoffman

March 21, 2019

May we always see her in her beloved element of serving, loving, and honoring our God. She will always be our sister, and we know she will continue to be one of His dearly loved angels for eternity with Him. His love never fails. His love is perfect. May peace that surpasses all understanding fill the hearts of family and dear friends that ache over time when we miss her. Yet when we do, may we see Him, our Savior, embracing her, loving His child, knowing her heart and restoring her to perfection as His blessed, forevermore with Him.

Joyce Rockwell

March 21, 2019

Heartfelt sympathy for all the family of such a truely empathetic, lovely lady. Her care for others' needs extended far further than most of us can muster. Genuine to the core! She will not be forgotten.

Fr. John H. Delaney

March 21, 2019

To the Beard family, My sincere sympathy. I think I've known Sue since high school days and always remember her being one who cared, in a very special way, for the most vulnerable, just as the obituary tells her story. She will be greatly missed but surely has a very special place in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you in the days ahead.

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