SUZANNE CHURCHILL Obituary

SUZANNE SMITH CHURCHILL Dedicated community volunteer Suzy Churchill passed away peacefully in her Kailua home with her close family by her side on October 19th, after a battle with cancer. She was a champion for youth, leaving a legacy with many organizations, but her greater impact was on all of the lives that she influenced with her deep friendships with so, so many. She was 78. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Dallas and Laura Smith, her family moved to Arizona in 1962. Suzy attended the University of Arizona where she was a cheerleader and met future husband Clint. She graduated in 1966 with a degree in special education and taught at schools in Phoenix, Alabama, and Kailua. Clint's military pursuits brought them to Hawaii in 1969 where they settled in Kailua and she became the dedicated mother of three boys. The boys attended Aikahi Elementary where she took on her first role as a champion for public education, heading up the PTA and leading the establishment of the school's first fundraiser carnival event. As her sons moved on to Kalaheo High School, she stepped up in 1987 to co-found, as a volunteer, the new Parent-Community Networking Center, implementing new communication channels. In addition, she was a co-founder of the Kalaheo High School Foundation, and its first president. She was active in many community organizations. She joined the Junior League of Honolulu in 1975 and within a few years partnered with other board members to bring "goals and objectives" training not only to Junior League projects, but around Oahu to other non-profit organizations. Frequently encountering a "we can't do that" attitude, she would encourage "yes we can" thinking to improve how organizations did business and innovated. Suzy was also a member of the Garden Club of Honolulu, the Philanthropic Educational Organization, and was a co-recipient of Windward Rotary's "Service Above Self" honor. With a keen eye for home renovating and interior design, she and partner Linda Roberts established "Great Places," an ahead-of-their-time home remodel/resale venture. The partnership successfully improved several Kailua and Kaneohe homes. In 1994, she joined the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, beginning a commitment that would last for almost three decades. In 1996 she co-founded what has become the BGCH premier fundraising event, "Walk in the Country," held at Lanikuhonua/Ko Olina. She was instrumental in the vision and fundraising for what became the Hale Pono Ewa Beach clubhouse, bringing a significantly improved facility to Ewa Beach youth. She later became chairman of the BGCH corporate board, with a subsequent leader observing that "under her leadership and generosity, the organization found its footing." Understanding the need in Kailua for after-school activity, she co-chaired an initiative to bring a BGCH clubhouse to the campus of Kailua Intermediate School. Funding for a new $5 million clubhouse building, which opened in 2015, was achieved along with a $2.6 million fund to generate income to help cover operating expenses. She served much of the last 20 years as the Windward board president, assembling a core group of dedicated volunteers. The clubhouse has thrived both programmatically and financially, typically serving more than 170 students daily. But the above summary doesn't begin to capture the essence of Suzy Churchill. The number of people who have sent cards to cite what an inspiration she has been to their lives has been remarkable. She would always take the time to be most interested in others, particularly in times of need, expecting nothing in return. One friend wrote, "you are absolutely a walking angel on this earth, always thinking what is best for the other person or situation." Another wrote about "how much joy you bring to so many. You are a gift to all of us." A third wrote, "how blessed my life has been knowing you." A particular interest was to help those who lost loved ones by sending a small book entitled "Healing After Loss" and always following up. Above all was her commitment to assuring a caring and cohesive family. Her sons are well-respected Hawaii residents, each making fine contributions to the fabric of Hawaii. She embraced her daughters-in-law as her own and was "Mema" to her four grandchildren, who she adored. A loving and supportive wife, dedicated mother, community volunteer, champion for youth, and inspiration to so, so many, she will be missed. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Clint, sons Brady, Ryan, (Christy), Guy, (Jamie), grandsons Parker, Bryce, and Austin, and granddaughter Ella. Typical of her humility, her request that no memorial service be held will be honored. She will be buried at Punchbowl. In lieu of flowers, perhaps consider a contribution to the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, Windward Clubhouse Fund, 145 S. Kainalu Dr., Kailua, HI 96734.