SUZANNE MIDDLETON LITTLE
1946-2020
Suzanne Middleton Little, 74, of Houston, TX, died 12/27/2020 after a full, rich life which she continued to embrace even as she fought a three-year battle against sarcoma. Suzanne was a beloved sister, aunt and friend, whose resilience combined with an optimistic and darkly humorous take on her life and illness were an inspiration. The number of people who followed her updates and were invested in her story are a testament to her ability to create and nourish meaningful relationships over so many years and through the many chapters of her life.
She was predeceased by her parents, Anne and Lamar Little, her nephew John Siegel, Jr., and many dearly loved dogs and feral cats.
Her grieving “team” may find some peace imagining her joyful reunion with all the people and animals she cherished upon her transition to a “happy place”.
She leaves behind sisters and brother-in-law, Roberta and Bob Head and Louise Little; nieces and nephew, Melissa Siegel, Shannon
Siegel Neblett (Mike) and Chris Head (Kathryn); greatnieces and nephews, Katie An and Ivey Beth Siegel, David and Lauren Albuquerque and Anna Kathryn and Thomas Head; and her dear friend Doug Miller, his daughter Karen Rodriguez (Albert), son Dana (Christi) and grandchildren Gabriella and Matthew Rodriguez.
Suzanne was an enthusiastic dancer, yoga practitioner, knitter, bridge player, reader, PBS listener and watcher, follower of current events, music lover, traveler, gardener, cook, gourmet, confidante, and advisor. She loved to engage with people, including surprising strangers she encountered and found something in the moment to share or laugh about. Over the course of her illness but especially during the final, especially difficult year, she truly had a “village” of dear, dear friends who brought meals, took her to appointments, helped with errands, cheered her and themselves in her company, and fully shared her journey, along with all the news, both the hopeful and the discouragingly sad. She also loved to focus her attention on the many health care professionals she encountered and, she hoped, make them feel valued and lift their spirits as they worked tirelessly to make her more comfortable.
Her family and friends are especially grateful to Katie An and her little hero dog, Jake Owen, who stood in for all of us who could not be at Suzanne’s side during her final weeks. Katie An suggested that Suzanne’s loved ones honor her memory in any way that gives them joy, including donations to causes important to them. Suzanne loved her alma mater, Sweet Briar College in Virginia, so gifts in her honor there would also be appreciated.
As Suzanne stated very strongly in a recent video, she wanted “a party, not a funeral” to celebrate her life. COVID is currently blocking anything in-person but her family and friends look forward to the day they can gather without masks, and joyfully hug, cry and, most important, laugh together while sharing their memories of her.