The gardens of heaven are certainly richer and more beautiful today. It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved wife, mom, Mimi, sister, Aunt, and cousin. Suzanne (Degaterre) Abshire, 70, of Moss Bluff, passed away from this life and into the arms of her heavenly father on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023 after a valiant and brave battle with ALS.

Suzanne lived a beautiful life filled with so much love. From an early age, she developed a passion for gardening from her father, and became a Master Gardener in 2009. She was in the first graduating class of St. Louis High School of 1971. During her time at McNeese, she was a part of the Phi Mu Sorority, was chosen as the Pre-Medical Society Sweetheart in 1974, and graduated with her Bachelors in Medical Technology in 1975. After graduation, she spent the next 47 years working in the lab at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital where her vast knowledge of microbiology was utilized by local physicians and clinicians alike. Suzanne was a member of Glad Tidings Church, where she was a volunteer in the kids ministries Mpact program, sharing the love of God with little minds for many, many years. As a committed Astros fan, she loved cheering on her team and watching games both in person and on television. She also loved Disney World and traveling with her family. The light of her life, her grandson Brayden, was her valued treasure. Above all else, holistic medicine was her passion and if you ever needed a recipe for a green smoothie or a natural remedy to help an ailment, she was the one to call.

Heaven rejoiced in welcoming her, and she has reunited with her parents, Maurice and Earline Degaterre (Jr.), and a special little grandchild she longed to meet.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 46 years, Allen Abshire, who was her dedicated and incredible caregiver during her illness. She is also survived by her two children Karen Seal (Jason), and Brian Abshire (Kayla), one grandson, Brayden Seal, a sister, Brenda Vidrine, and numerous other family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Team Gleason or the Glad Tidings Church Children’s Ministries department.

We would like to thank CHRISTUS Hospice for their loving care and attention during this season.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Sept. 17 at Johnson’s Funeral Home in Moss Bluff from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Her celebration of life will be held on Monday, Sept. 18 at Glad Tidings Church with visitation from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and service to follow, beginning at 3:00 p.m. The Rev. Paul Burke will officiate. Burial will follow the church service at New Ritchie Cemetery in Moss Bluff.