Flora Suzette Pietrzak

Flora Suzette Pietrzak, lovingly known as “Suzie,” passed away January 9, 2025 in Jensen Beach, Florida. She was born on April 11, 1934, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Frank David Smith and Marion Gray Sieg. Suzie embraced life with a fiery spirit, boundless determination, and a heart full of love.

As a child, Suzie proudly described herself as a tomboy—a spirited quality she carried throughout her life. Her enthusiasm for outdoor adventures and travel remained vibrant well into her 80s. After graduating from Fletcher High School in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1952, she married Warren Lewis Morris the following year. Together, they shared 25 years of marriage and raised three children. During this time, Suzie learned to cook from her beloved mother-in-law “Miss Morris,” who lovingly filled the void left by the loss of Suzie’s own mother at the age of 12. Like many good Southern women, Suzie expressed her love through cooking and made sure no one left her home hungry.

Suzie was truly remarkable among the women of her generation. Outspoken and outgoing, she was admired for her intelligence, humor, beauty, and unwavering determination. At the age of 50—a milestone month in her life—Suzie graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. This achievement was especially significant as it came after a decade of balancing full-time work, single parenthood, and academic pursuits.

In this transformative chapter of her life, Suzie met Mark Pietrzak. Their love blossomed into a beautiful partnership that led to their marriage in 1990. With Mark’s daughter Toni joining their family, it became complete. Suzie and Mark shared nearly four decades of love and adventure until his passing in October 2024.

Suzie’s legacy is one of resilience and inspiration. Her vibrant personality and steadfast dedication to her goals left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her children: Vieve (Gary) of Reno, NV; Steve (Sally) of Grand Cayman; Kim (Rob) of Swainsboro; and Toni-partner Eddie of Waynesville, NC; as well as nine grandchildren—Kaysi, Cassidy, Dusty, Chris, Alex, Tyler, Travis, Fallon, and Porter—and eleven great-grandchildren.

May Suzie’s memory bring comfort to those who loved her and serve as a reminder of a life lived with courage and love.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00.

The funeral service will be Wednesday morning, January 15th, 2025, at 11:00 at Pendleton Springs Baptist Church.  Burial will follow at Morris Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in loving memory of Suzie  can be made to Samaritan Purse http://www.samaritanspurse.org/for help for the victims of Western North Carolina or The Orchard Church Hurricane Helene Relief Fund https://www.theorchardnc.com/relief/.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

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