Susanne Linda Clements Obituary (2023)

Suzanne "Suzy" L. Clements passed away peacefully on December 6, 2023, after a long and hard-fought illness. Suzy was born on January 27, 1950, in Missoula, Montana, and raised by loving parents, Mac and Rose MacDonald, in Yakima, Washington. As the oldest of six children, she was a natural mother figure, confidante, protector, and friend. She adored her family and spoke fondly of childhood memories, such as dance parties in the living room, making mud and rocks pies for her little brothers, and taking family trips to her grandparents home at Flathead Lake. The family lived humbly. Clothes and meals were homemade and hard work was expected, but the values of love, respect, service, and commitment were well-instilled. Suzy would carry and demonstrate those values throughout her life. At the age of 17, Suzy began her career as an Oral Surgery Assistant, at the practice of Drs. Bosshardt, Wilson and Miller, in Yakima. She loved her work and had an innate way of connecting that made her a favorite amongst patients. Suzy worked for the Yakima Oral Surgeons for 28 years, before retiring to be a stay-at-home mom. For several years to come, she would be approached by former patients and thanked for making them feel like the most important person in her day. This wasnt Suzy going the extra mile, it was simply who she was. In 1970, Suzy was introduced to the future love of her life and soulmate, her "Donny" (a.k.a. Don Clements). He was a Prosser boy, part-time college student, part-time house flipper, living with roommates, and playing guitar. She was three years into her career, living alone, and independently making ends meet. Thus, when Donny approached confidently to ask her out, she politely said, "No, thank you." After two more such exchanges, Suzy finally said yes, and their 53-year love story began. Donny and Suzy were married on July 9, 1972, and created their life and family together in Yakima. They welcomed their first daughter, Nicole, in 1973, followed by Brooke (80) and Haley (86). Of the many roles Suzy had in life, those of "Mother" and "Gigi" were her true calling. Suzy loved her family unconditionally and walked it out in countless ways. She was ever-present, always encouraging, eternally optimistic, and fiercely protective. She showed love with her words, her time, a simple look, a gentle touch, and the endless unspoken sacrifices hidden forever in her heart. She was tiny (51" on a tall day) and the mightiest person her Donny and her girls will ever know. Next to her family, Suzys greatest passions were Diet Coke and shopping with her best friend, Sandy Bremerman. Whether casually yard sale(ing) on Saturdays or attacking Black Friday like an episode of The Amazing Race, the two shared many good times and countless laughs in their pursuit of a bargain. Those times and her friendship with Sandy were precious to Suzy. To know Suzy was to love her. To be loved by her was an extraordinary gift. Her gifted and grateful survivors include her husband, Don Clements, daughters, Nicole Dupr (Mike), Brooke Clements Hayden (Shawn), and Haley Lamb, granddaughters, Natalie Hernandez, Presley Lamb, and Parker Lamb, and grandson, Ty Lamb, brothers, Robert MacDonald, and Larry MacDonald (Denise), sister, Donna Hawkins (Ken), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mac and Rose MacDonald, brother, Don MacDonald, sister, Diana Frank, and precious granddaughter, Quinnie. Suzys zest for life, love, and compassion for others, and eternal optimism will live on in those whose lives she touched. All are welcome to a Celebration of her Life on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 11:00am, at Yakima Foursquare Church (700 N. 40th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98908). Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Celebration of Life Yakima Foursquare Church Saturday, December 16, 2023 11:00 AM 700 N 40th Ave Yakima, WA 98908