Susie Hutchison's Obituary
Suellen Morris Hutchison, known to everyone as Susie, lived a life of love and laughter which she shared with all she knew. Susie was a loving, loyal wife, mother, and involved civic volunteer. She died Wednesday, May 17 from complications of Lewy Body Dementia. Susie, a lifetime Texan, was born September 14, 1940, the daughter of Doris and Gilbert Morris at Austin’s Seton Hall Hospital (now Seton Medical Center). Her father was in the lumber business and growing up she lived in Austin, Temple, Longview, and Houston. She graduated from Bellaire High School in Houston, attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, and was a flight attendant (then stewardess) for American Airlines. In October 1974 she met the love of her life, Dr. Gary Hutchison. After a whirlwind courtship, they married on January 10, 1975, at the Williams-Carpenter Chapel at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. Susie instantly became the proud mother to four children; Roark 12, Justin, 10, Leigh 5, and Nicole, 1. Throughout their marriage, Susie was an active volunteer in medical, civic, and school organizations. She helped found Presby Partners, an organization of Presbyterian Hospital doctors’ wives, supported Gary at the Neurosurgical Society of America for more than 25 years, and enjoyed serving as a member of the Hockaday Parents Club. Susie was a leader in Dallas’ arts and cultural organizations. She was a member of Crystal Charity Ball, serving as its Underwriting Chair in 1995. At the Dallas Museum of Art, she chaired the Beaux Arts Ball (now the Art Ball) and served as President of the Museum Associates. She was active in the Dallas Opera, the Sweetheart Ball, the Dallas Historical Society, Les Femmes du Monde, and the Susan B. Komen Foundation. Susie was a member of Dallas Country Club and the Birnam Wood Golf Club in Montecito, California. Together she and Gary enjoyed vacationing in their home in Santa Fe, spending winters at Eldorado Country Club in Indian Wells, California, and taking cruises with close friends. She was the consummate hostess extending her gift of warm hospitality to every guest. Susie was a woman of faith who treasured and cared for her many friends, whether taking chicken and dumplings to someone ill or celebrating happy occasions with wine and cheese. She was always “there” with nurturing love, encouraging words and, of course, her infectious laughter. Despite her many accomplishments, Susie’s greatest claim to fame were her famous Sand Tart cookies she lovingly baked and personally delivered to friends every Christmas. For her last batch, she prepared 9,000 cookies. Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Doris and Gilbert Morris, her brother, Rev. Hunter Morris, and stepchildren Laura, Roark, and Leigh. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Dr. Gary Hutchison, daughter Nicole Hutchison, who lovingly cared for her mother day and night throughout her illness, stepson Justin, grandchildren Jack and Tess Power, sister-in-law Janet Morris, nephew Lee Morris, his wife Gayle, their three children and extended family, and many loving friends who will miss her dearly. The family wishes to thank Zena Ayele, Jenna Hyland, the Edgemere Plaza caregivers and dining staff for their kindness and support. A service celebrating Susie’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 24 at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 8011 Douglas Ave, Dallas. Memorials may be sent to Crystal Charity Ball, 3838 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75219; Texas Health Resources Foundation, 612 East Lamar Blvd., Arlington, Texas 76011, or the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park,13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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