Suzanne N. Wilkens

STRUTHERS — The sky gained another diamond today with the passing of Suzanne “Suzie” Wilkens, 89, who passed away peacefully while under hospice care on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Brookdale in Austintown.

Suzie was born on March 15,1936, the only daughter of Vernon Jones and the former Naomi Best, and she loved anything that sparkled.

She was a 1954 graduate of South High School and she enjoyed the beach, scotch, long phone calls and a well curated outfit. Her favorite song was “Red, Red Wine” and at major family events she would pass out copies of the lyrics and insist we sing it — usually many times.

I’m not sure about the origin of the phrase FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) but I’d believe you if you told me she coined it. There wasn’t a party she’d miss, even at Brookdale, and anywhere she went was a place worth being.

She had a hat that said YOLO in sequins and a vanity plate that said See Sue Go. Even as she aged, it was hard to keep up with her.

It was a good thing she was as quick as she was. She had four kids and eventually seven grandkids to chase around with the love of her life, Bernard “Bernie” Wilkens. Together they had 63 years full of love, laughter and fun.

She’s fashionably late to the party with her parents; her husband, Bernard; her brothers, Ronald and Phillip Jones; her son, Paul; son-in-law, Richard; best friend, Joyce; and countless beloved friends, all of whom are thrilled to see her, we’re sure.

She leaves behind her three daughters, Stephanie Carano, Mimi (Bill) Mitchell and Alli (Craig) Cline; her daughter-in-law, Denise Wilkens; and grandchildren, KC (Amy) Kerrigan, Michael Kerrigan, Carly Carano, Cara Carano, Maddie (Evan) Wilson, Naomi Mitchell and Ashley Wilkens.

She was the matriarch of an unruly bunch and has left a major hole in the lives of those who knew her.

Calling hours will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel. Following calling hours, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Church. 

Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Please wear a little extra sparkle to honor Suzie.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Suzanne’s memory may be made to Hospice of the Valley.