Suzette Mitchell

Suzette LaPeer Mitchell, 66, of Toledo, OH passed away from multiple myeloma on January 6, 2013. Suzette was born July 8, 1946 in New Orleans, LA to the late Elmer and Adine Mitchell.

Suzette graduated from the University of Toledo and received an Associate, Bachelor of Education and Master of Education degrees, majoring in Retailing, Elementary Education and Administration and Supervision. She was also a member of Kappa Delta Pi, an Honor Society in Education and Phi Kappa Phi, a National Honor Society. Suzette taught third and fourth grade for several years and also taught a retailing class at Owens College, but the emphasis of her working career was in sales. She was a Territory Sales Representative for Hanes Hosiery, Inc. and was known throughout her area as "The Hanes Lady." She received several awards and recognition for outstanding achievements while employed by the Sara Lee Corp. Suzette was also an Account Executive for the Aveda Corporation, an environmental haircare, skincare and cosmetic company, until they were purchased by Estee Lauder.

Suzette's true love was horses, especially thoroughbreds. She loved to ride, train, judge and just be around equines. This was a passion she had since six years old – all because she rode a pony at the pony ring on Sylvania Avenue sixty years ago! She wanted to learn everything she could about the care and training of horses and enjoyed reading books, attending clinics, watching and talking to professionals, studying DVDs and hanging out at the schooling ring. Several of Suzette's horses received year-end awards for their accomplishments in the show ring, and it was because she worked consistently to establish a trusting partnership with them. She would like to be remembered as a rider that put the health and welfare of her horses first. Suzette also loved classical music; especially Mozart, and she loved dogs; especially welsh corgis.

Suzette is survived by her most wonderful "Bro", Russ, of Columbus, OH and his two children, Maria and Catherine, of Santa Cruz, CA. Also left to remember all the good and fun times is her very BFF, JoJo, whom she has known and loved since kindergarten and who has been so helpful and supportive during this last journey, and her BFF male friend for 30 plus years, Charlie, who will take great care of her welsh corgi, Scooter. Hunters Run was truly Suzette's "home away from home." There were many wonderful people and memories, especially with Deb and Suz, Libby and Cindy (Best's new owners), Tracy, Mary Lou, Claudia, Geordie, Hil, Peggy, Leslie, Madonna and numerous others.

There will be no services and Suzette's ashes will be scattered at Hunters Run by the tree that was planted in memory of Best Beloved, one of Suzette's thoroughbred show horses. Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.