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Her Life

Allison Pilmer's Memorial Speech

August 20, 2011

 More than 16 years ago, I began working in the Admission office, across the hall from Suzanne. Because she had that eye for the "new kid in town" and considered herself a human welcome wagon, we struck up conversation.

One thing led to another and within 5 days of knowing Suzanne, we were doing yard work at her house over the weekend. Not dainty work, but dirty, digging holes and planting roses, moving rocks kind of yard work.

If you were to begin describing Suzanne, you wouldnʼt get far until you mention that she's from Texas and she has the most endearing accent and colorful expressions. Being from Ohio these were so fantastic-- like verbal potato chips--you can't have just one.

Iʼll share my favorites in case you are headed to the South:

Boy Howdy! Which is a big proclamation of awesomeness Put up: To put away, file or stash.

Fixin to: for the longest time I thought she was repairing 2 items--actually means that you are "readying oneself"

Giddy-Gapper: any gadget, the name for which she can't recall at the time

That offends my senses: that's plain ugly

Looks like it was rode hard and put away wet: that's uglier than things that offend senses

While those expressions dotted conversation and made me laugh there was one particular phrase that Suzanne impressed upon me which has shaped every way I live:

"Completed Staff Work"

"Completed Staff Work"... it was from her days working at Exxon and it signified the highest compliment that could be given to a work product.

At first hearing it, I rebuffed it. Thinking it sounded like it was reserved for low-level typing and copying jobs. She assured me that “Completed Staff Work” was very difficult to attain.

Over time, I witnessed the hours that Suzanne would pour into her preparation for meetings and events. Between rounds of stuffing binders or proofing letters, often on weekends, I finally asked "why does this matter?"

Suzanne explained that the world sees you by the work you produce. If you're going to put something out there, why not elevate it?

Produce a product that was full of clear communication, flawless execution, no shortcuts and always exceeded expectations.

This concept seemed to be a sticking point with her, so I began to ask her opinion more often, and ask her to help me improve my work. I yearned to hear those words: "THAT is completed staff work."

Suzanne was the first person who would compliment your earned achievements. And if necessary bring attention to things that I fell short on or ways I cut corners. Once you set your intentions to achieving "Completed Staff Work", I promise you, like Suzanne promised me, you will find success and fulfillment to follow.

I stood by Suzanne in two places, our work life here at CLU - and the true place of honor were the years together in our personal lives.

That first day of sweaty yard work at her house is the day I met Steve...Suzanne said she knew we'd get along because our astrological signs are the same. She claimed to have a calming effect on Virgos. Soon after, I met David and Ashley. These four people became my new understanding of Family...and at the head of our ship, Suzanne-my Mom.

Like all Moms, this one had quirks...

It makes obvious sense that woman from blazing hot Texas who lives in Southern California would explore ways to make and wear wool by knitting or crocheting. She mentioned that she loved the puzzle of a knitting pattern, the visible progress and knowing that the end result might be worn by a loved one. In fact, I learned yesterday that she often knit with other CLU women known as “the knit wits.”

Myself, living in Northern California where things can get a "little crunchy" and hippie, I located the most perfect Mothers Day gift for Suzanne--Hand spun, organic and ultra virtuous wool from an local sustainable farm. The steep price per ounce of wool was a bit shocking, however, the farmer who sold it to me assured me that it is the best fiber money can buy and it'd be enough to make a scarf or something usable.

Suzanne loved it...I heard oohs and ahhs over the phone, via text, and by thank you card. Then, it became obvious, Suzanne wanted me to try knitting...she sent me books, articles and I caved to her peer pressure.

I was bit by the bug and began to take classes. And together, we really got into fiber. Months later, Suz admitted that she had used the organic yarn to knit something for me...something super functional, totally

unique and unable to find itʼs likeness of which in any store. Then, I opened it, I present to you: an oven mitt.

It's organic. I love it for all the right sentimental reasons. She knew I loved to cook and bake, it was perfection.

This past Christmas, Suzanne and I decided to give each other the gift of time together..a three day trip to...you guessed it the Super Bowl of fiber arts: "Stitches South" in Atlanta. We all know that Suzanne was an organizational force to be reckoned with-it was as if she were preparing for college. The minute online registration for courses opened, Suzanne was refreshing her screen and frustrated with me via text because I have a job, and I was actually working.

Convinced that I was going to get wait listed, she registered for me. (Some here may frown upon the over- involved helicopter parent, but it made her happy.) She then moved to booking our hotel, meals, flights and car. The whole experience of planning and communicating the details made both of us look forward to the trip. Suzanne was packed 4 days prior to departure and texted me detailed packing suggestions.

Picture the two of us at the Stitches South in a convention center filled with people wearing multiple hand knit items all while and agonizing over nuances of animal fur, and the merits of hand made maple wood knitting needles. It was such a great time walking into a class full of people and watching Suzanee work the rooms.

By day's end she knew something about dozens of attendees and was excited to tell me details about them, their knitting and usually their dog's name. I was proud to be with Suzanne because she took the best notes, asked great questions and was the knitting teacherʼs pet.

Things in fiber-land became a little strange when at 2am a tornado siren began to roar. I heard a knock at my hotel door--it's Suzanne, fully dressed. She informs me that if we're going to hurl through space and time, she wants to do it together.

By this time the hotel is encouraging us to take cover in bathtubs. I break it to Suzanne that the tubs are tiny and I think we need to go this one solo. She agrees and as she leaves my room, she yells: “Iʼll text you from the tub.” The tornado touched down on the other side of the freeway.

In this last week, I've combed through hundreds of emails, cards and texts from Suzanne. I would like to share with each of you the most current gift I learned from her. It wasn't just on the job that she demonstrated "Completed Staff Work." You can easily substitute many words here: Completed Wife Time, Completed Mom Time, Sister, Friend...it goes on and on.

It is very obvious that those same qualities which made her great at work, made her personal relationships better. She always made herself available to help family or friends, and she would exceed your relationship expectations. There were no short cuts. When she felt an emotion, be it of love, appreciation or joy she was never shy about saying it while looking into your eyes.

A little over a year ago, we were together on campus again. As we were walking through the park, she grabbed my arm and said “I am so proud to call you mine.” Suzanne, the feeling is entirely mutual.

Ashley Freeman's Memorial Speech

August 19, 2011
My mother, Suzanne Freeman, loved life to the fullest, and she had the most positive outlook of anyone I knew.  She would be able to tell you “the bright side” of anything, and suddenly, whatever “it” was that was troubling you, wasn’t so bad.  She always knew what to say, and she was purely authentic in everything she said and did.  She always knew the right thing to say.  Her Grandpa always told her, “no pain, no gain”, and she carried this motto with her through life by applying it to the hard work she put into everything she did, and raising me and my brother on many virtues and sayings such as this. Anyone who knew my mom knows that she was one of the best cooks in town! My mom was always proud of her Texas upbringing and growing up around the neighborhood she was known for her “Texas cheese dip”, especially when summer hit and the pool was in full swing.  And not just the cheese dip, but my mom loved to cook, and was always trying new recipes.  She never let anyone go hungry!  She would just disappear and suddenly reappear, often with a spread of cheeses, crackers, and wine, and we would sit outside on the patio and enjoy the evening.  For parties and holidays she would plan the menu weeks in advance and email it to me, just to change it around at the last minute! My mom loved to plan events, and people were instantly attracted to her open heart.  I used to laugh because she had made friends with people at the grocery store, the cleaners, and with the people who owned the sandwich store down the street. People I didn’t even know recognized me as “Suzanne Freeman’s daughter”. Mom loved history and books – she was interested all things Ancient and Medieval and frequently talked about what it would be like to live in a past century. At the same time, she was a modern free spirit and one of the most open-minded people you could ever meet.  This brought our relationship even closer, because she never once judged me or anyone else for what they did, or how they behave.  She gave everyone a second chance, and believed life was short, and we should make every moment count.   She did just that, up to the very last moment of her life. I remember when she got her motorcycle license for her 50th birthday!  She used to say to me, “We’re pretty cool, huh?”  She spiked her short hair and bought chaps…. I thought it would be a faze but then she really started to like it!   Then she and my dad rode across the country on their Harleys and I could not be more proud to say she was my mom.   She and my dad made a perfect pair, riding around on their bikes together, seeing God’s magnificent country, not to mention lots of historical monuments!   My mom would often tell me how great my dad is, and how much she loved him.  In March this year, my parents celebrated their 40th year anniversary. After 40 years of marriage, my parents left me in awe of their completely compatible and enduring relationship. I remember the time my dad called her “my treasure” in a text message, and she giggled like a school girl, her face glowing, completely and utterly happy in love. My dad always took exceptional care of her, and I never worried about them as they traveled the world together because they were a team. My mom and I also had a very special relationship.  She was my best friend and confidant.  We had always been close, but in the last few years we had become even closer.  She had witnessed my struggles with life, and been there at both mine and my brother’s side whenever we needed her.  She dropped everything to stand by me through the darkest times in my life.   My mom would sit up with me at night and read bible verses to comfort me, and hold my hand and tell me, “It gets worse before it gets better”, but it always gets better”.  My mom always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. If I hadn’t had my mom and Dad there to support me, my life would have been much different!  I have always felt like the luckiest girl in the world to have a Mom like mine!!  And I know my brother Dave feels the same way!  I am sure he has many stories to share about her love and what a great mother, and mentor she was to him, and I would not be the person I am today without the complete and unconditional love and subtle guidance my mom showed us all these years.   My mom once told me that when she had me and David, she really wanted children, and I believe that because she wanted us so badly that that was why she was such a good mother.  She devoted her entire life to loving her family and her friends, and wasn’t afraid to show it, or to tell you, over, and over again, that she loved you.  

Obituary

August 18, 2011
Suzanne Louise Freeman of Westlake Village, California, died suddenly on August 11, 2011 while riding her motorcycle on the Pacific Coast Highway near San Simeon, California. She was with her husband and friends at the time of her death.
 
She was 64.
 
Suzanne was born on July 14, 1947, in Dallas, Texas and married Stephen Freeman in 1971.
 
Suzanne graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts in the German language. She was an active member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.
 
Suzanne and Stephen moved to Westlake Village, California in 1976.
 
Throughout her professional career she worked for Westlake Lutheran Church, Exxon, and for the majority of her career in the Office of the President at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California.
 
She is survived by her husband, Stephen G. Freeman and children David C. Freeman, of Las Vegas, Nevada and Ashley A. Freeman, of Santa Barbara, California.  In addition Suzanne's sister, Janet Baber, of San Antonio, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. Suzanne was a devoted wife of 40 years, a beloved mother, aunt, as well as a friend to many.
 
Her mother, Francis Flick, and father, Jesse Flick, of Dallas, Texas preceded her in death.
 
She was proud of her Texan heritage and never fully lost her endearing southern accent.  All her life, Suzanne loved tennis, reading, cooking, history, knitting and politics. A world wide traveler, Suzanne spent decades filling her passport with stamps and her heart with memories.  Upon  receiving her motorcycle license in celebration of her fiftieth birthday, Suzanne began her passion of seeing the country via her Harley Davidson Softail motorcycle on trips with her husband, family and friends. She was an experienced rider of over 14 years.
 
Suzanne was a member of New Hope Lutheran Church (formally known as Westlake Lutheran Church) and Ascension Lutheran Church.  She touched lives with her positive attitude, devotion to California Lutheran University as well as with her love and generosity toward others.  Suzanne was loved by her friends and family and lived a full and joyful life. She often said, "Life is good!"