Suzette Giardina Tolbird

Suzette Giardina Tolbird, of Oak Vale, Mississippi, passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 56, as a result of a tornado which caused unimaginable devastation to her community.. Born on July 18, 1968, Suzette was a remarkable figure in both her professional and personal life, her journey was marked by an unwavering commitment to caring for others, a testament to her nurturing spirit and dedication
Educated at Immaculata High School in Marrero, LA, Suzette went on to further her education at the University of New Orleans. Her passion for nursing led her to the Charity School of Nursing, where she honed her skills and developed a lifelong commitment to the health and well-being of others. In pursuit of excellence, she later attended Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, earning her Master's in Nursing.
Suzette began her esteemed career as a Licensed Practical Nurse before advancing to Registered Nurse with roles in both the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Over the course of her career, Suzette held positions at both Ochsner Baptist and Lake Charles Memorial. She also served as a flight nurse, providing critical care in often life-threatening situations. Ultimately, she achieved the pinnacle of her profession by becoming a nurse practitioner. Notably, her exceptional contributions to nursing earned her the prestigious Daisy Award for Nursing, an accolade that symbolizes extraordinary patient care and compassion.
As a devout Christian, Suzette was a true disciple of Christ and shared her faith at every opportunity. Her spiritual journey guided her actions, allowing her to inspire others through her unwavering faith and kindness. In a final act of generosity, Suzette gave the gift of life to others as an organ donor through the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency. This selfless decision to help others demonstrates the depth of her character and her profound desire to make a positive impact in the world. Suzette was preceded in death by her parents, Domenic and Elsie Giardina; her grandparents, Domenic and Edna Giardina; and a cousin of whom she loved dearly, Laurie Fuchs.
Her memory will forever be cherished by her husband, Randy Tolbird of Oakvale; daughter, Catheryn Hernandez (Ulysses) of Houma, LA; brother, Domenic Giardina Jr. (Katie) of Pearl River, LA; stepsons, Ryan Joseph Tolbird of Oakvale, Randy Toldbird II of Covington, TN, Timothy Naquin (Dawn) of Chalmette, LA, Ryan Naquin (Carli) of Metairie, LA; and stepdaughters, Erika Rush (Anthony) of Atoka, TN and Danielle LeBlanc (Tilman) of Belle Chasse, LA. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Lynk Hernandez, Vivian Ockman, Landon LeBlanc, Evan LeBlanc, Addison Naquin, Evangeline Naquin, Carrie Rush, Brendan Taylor Tolbird, and Kylie Tolbird; the father of her daughter, Christopher Naquin (Noelle) of Carriere, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Her family fondly remembers Suzette as "unforgettable," a sentiment echoed by everyone whose lives she touched. She had an innate ability to nourish and support others in every capacity, always willing to extend a helping hand or a kind word. Suzette will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell. A funeral service will begin in the chapel at 1:00 p.m. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com and www.SaultersMooreFuneralHome.com