Mabel Suzanne Berends, 76, of Old River-Winfree, Texas, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 12, 1942 in Goose Creek, Texas to Jack Ulrich and Mabel Lucille Furey Stoltz. Suzanne graduated from McArthur High School in San Antonio, Texas, Class of 1961. She went on to attend Trinity University, a private liberal arts school also in San Antonio. Suzanne worked for many years in various medical offices until 1990 when she enrolled at North Harris Community College to pursue nursing. She graduated in 1992 with her Bachelor’s in Nursing. Suzanne was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to many. She pursued many interests, some of which included reading and music. Suzanne also liked traveling the world. She had been to many regions in Europe, Alaska and the U.S. Suzanne had a green thumb when it came to gardening. She even attended Texas Master Gardener meetings, aspired of becoming a master gardener. Suzanne also had a passion for cooking. She was a collector of many things but was proud of her collection of recipe books and would always try out new and unique recipes on her family. Suzanne volunteered her time at the Chambers County Library in Mont Belvieu and as a child advocate with CASA of Liberty and Chambers County. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Suzanne was preceded in death by her father; her loving husband of 25 years, Dirk Berends; her grandson Dirk “D.J.” Berends; and her brother-in-law John Murray. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her mother Mabel Stoltz of Portales, NM; her siblings Mary Murray of Portales, NM, Jack Stoltz of Farmington, NM, Melinda Holcomb and husband Randy of Fort Worth, TX; her children Maria Sylvia and husband Judge Blake Sylvia of Old River-Winfree, Allen Miller and wife Jennifer of Old River-Winfree, Titia Chilton and husband Brian of Coupeville, WA, Toni Meade and husband Larry of Fayetteville, GA, John Berends and wife Tedi of Yakima, WA; her grandchildren Kassi Hopper and husband Aaron, Daniel Sylvia, Chase Sylvia, Audrey Rowe, Mollie Miller, Sophia Miller, Ashley Bonner and husband A.J., Joshua Meade; her great-grandchildren Brodi, Sawyer, Kinsley and Lily; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other loving relatives and friends. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1pm until 2pm on Thursday, April 4, 2019 in the Chapel of Sterling Funeral Home, 602 N. Main Street in Dayton, with a funeral service to begin at 2pm with Bro Ronnie Webb officiating. A graveside service and committal will immediately follow in Reeves Cemetery, Old River-Winfree.
