Susan Jane Rezy

Susan Jane "Susie" Rezy (nee Sutherland) unexpectedly passed away in her sleep in her Ocala home on August 3, 2025, at the age of 79. Susie was born on June 5, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Donald and Florence Sutherland (nee Breitenfelt). She graduated from Wauwatosa West High School in 1964. Susie is survived by her husband, Bernie Rezy, daughter, Ginger Rezy, and Golden Retriever, Badger #bestdogever. Susie and Bernie were married for 55 1/2 wonderful years and enjoyed many adventures together.

Susie brought joy and laughter to many far and wide. Over the course of her lifetime she lived in Wisconsin, Florida, Michigan, Alabama, California, and Indiana. She never met a stranger and made friends (of the two and four-legged variety) wherever she went. Susie had a talent for making people laugh and dogs tails wag. Her passions were her dogs, horses, photography, her small business, teaching scent work, and making people smile. Her photos graced the cover of the national magazine, Golden Retriever News, many times.

Many knew her as the spicy proprietor of SA Design, a shop selling clothing with beautiful embroidered dog designs based on her photographs. Her booth was always filled with friends and laughter, and her mannequin, Betty. She greeted everyone with an infectious smile and by the time you left the booth you had a new friend.

She spent her entire life enjoying the company of dogs. She will be greeted at the Rainbow Bridge by her Boxers, Malamutes, and Goldens. Over the years she competed in conformation, obedience, tracking, agility, scent work and barn hunt. Susie was an active member of White River Golden Retriever Club for over 30 years. She was also a member of the National Golden Retriever Club of America, Mid-Florida Golden Retriever Club, Scent Work Club of Ocala, Inc. and the Marion-Alachua Dog Training Association. She was known for generously volunteering her time to all these organizations. She brought great joy and fun to her scent work students and their dogs.

Celebrations of Life were organized by and held at the WRGRC Specialties in Indianapolis the weekend following her passing, and by SWCO and hosted by MADTA in Ocala on August 21st.

Finally, there will be a Celebration of Life and booth party at the Golden Retriever National Specialty in St. Louis, MO on Wednesday September 24th at the SA Design Booth at Purina Farms.

Susie was loved by many and will be dearly missed by her family, friends and animals.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Golden Retriever Foundation Zeke Fund: https//www.goldenretieverfoundation.org/zeke-donation