Susan Abreu, 1949-2019

Susan Abreu, 69, of Quitman passed away on Feb. 28, 2019, in Tyler. Her husband, John, asks that friends celebrate Susan’s life in their own way and to enjoy memories of her.

She was born in Dallas on April 28, 1949, the only child of Roswell and Eva (Jacques) Whitmore. Susan attended Dallas schools, received her BA at Austin College in Sherman and her Masters at the University of Texas at Austin.

Her long career in statistical analysis and computer programming began with the Dallas Independent School District. She also worked in the aerospace industry and retired from Richardson ISD’s IT department.

Susan met her future husband, John, at her surprise 40th birthday in Dallas. Guests there could tell it would not be the last party or great time they would celebrate. Susan and John were married Feb. 24, 1990, in Dallas and lived in the Dallas area until moving to Quitman in 1996.

Susan had a truly adventurous personality and had the knack to make all those she met feel welcome and leave smiling. Susan had many lifelong friends from her early college and work days and they celebrated life together anytime they could. She and John loved short vacations between their work careers and later in retirement. They took three cruises with friends, loved the gaming in Vegas, Tahoe-Reno and Louisiana. Susan enjoyed her free time and making their 14 acres and home the relaxed garden spot it became. She loved animals and over many years of owning various cats and dogs added her favorites Austin and Frisco, both longhorn steers, to her collection. She was warned not to groom them, but she would occasionally be seen with a large curry comb in hand headed for the pasture gate. There was almost nothing she would be afraid to attempt. She challenged herself in life to be the best she could be. She never forgot that friendships and love are most important. For Susan, it truly was a wonderful life.