Former longtime Claremont resident Margery Mickley Suarez died at her home in Millbrae on March 20, 2012. 

“My mother’s compassion, grace and enduring patience will be greatly missed by all that knew her,” commented her son, John Suarez.

Mrs. Suarez was born on June 18, 1929 in the Chicago area to Joseph and Helen Mickley. She studied music at college in Ohio where she later met her future husband, Joseph Suarez.  

After marrying on April 19, 1952, they started their family and settled in California. Having raised their 2 sons, Mr. and Mrs. Suarez decided to move to Claremont in 1976.  Mrs. Suarez continued her career in administration and soon after became assistant dean of women at Scripps College, a position she held until retiring in 1994.

Mrs. Suarez’s favorite pastimes included quilting, music, theater, art and travel.  Family noted that she used to joke, “The best thing about retirement is that every day is Saturday.”

The Suarez couple enjoyed their retirement in Claremont.  They appreciated the academic community, Village cafes and the vibrant small-town feel.  The neighborhood where they lived fostered numerous lifelong friendships that have outlived the dispersion of those friends over the years.

Animal lovers, Mrs. Suarez and her husband always had at least one or 2 pets in their household at any given time.  This always provided a lively environment full of love and entertainment. Her last pet, a cat named Lily, required the patience and forgiveness of a saint, but was nonetheless loved for her companionship and relative good temper—at least toward Mrs. Suarez.

In 2010, Mrs. Suarez and her husband moved to the Magnolia of Millbrae, an assisted living facility, to be closer to family. Recently, Mrs. Suarez was preceded in death by Mr. Suarez who died on December 20, 2011.

Mrs. Suarez is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, John and Jeannie Suarez and Thomas and Caryn Suarez; her 4 grandchildren, Tommy, Theresa, Michael and Tyler; and her 5 great-grandchildren, Noah, Nicholas, Taylor, Aubrey and Christopher.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held for both Mr. and Mrs. Suarez from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Todd Memorial Chapel, 325 N. Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).