43° and Moderate rain at times
Suzanne Pauline Durko was born on February 3, 1937 in Newark, Ohio. Suzanne passed away on January 16, 2026 just shy of reaching her 89th birthday on February 3.
Suzanne had many accomplishments that she achieved in her lifetime, raising 4 children, the only licensed woman brick mason contractor in Florida at one time, worked at American Red Cross as a volunteer, was a waitress, homemaker, worked as a school nurse, was a published poet, worked for Kraft Foods, caregiver to her previous husband, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, was a Woman of Merit in Alamogordo, New Mexico, was a harmonica player in a group called the Wheezing Geezers, was in the chorus at Alamogordo Senior Center, was very accomplished at crocheting, made many Afghans throughout the years and gave many away. Suzanne had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. Every time she would go into a room, she would lighten it up with her sense of humor and love of people. Suzanne had many friends during her lifetime and touched many lives and hearts of those who knew her. Suzanne always had a love of dogs and cats and also had a feisty side to her, but it was always in good spirits and fun. Suzanne got a chance to go on several cruises and got to go to Scotland, where her ancestors are and Ireland as well as Australia. Suzanne was a military spouse, so she got to travel to different states such as Arizona, Ohio, Illinois, South Dakota, Michigan, Texas and Florida. Suzanne drove coast to coast from California to Florida. Suzanne always claimed Panama City, Florida as her home though. Suzanne sang and loved to play harmonica to Amazing Grace very often. Suzanne would always joke and say she's not wanted upstairs and she's not wanted down stairs and that she's stuck her on earth. I know as well as anybody else that knew Suzanne that she is in heaven playing harmonica as one of the beautiful angels. Suzanne will be deeply missed by all that knew her and loved her. There will be a big void in many people's hearts but memories of knowing her and being with her and remembering her infectious laughter that came from her belly will be fondly remembered.
Suzanne is survived by Gerald Pleshe, her special loving caregiver and 4 children, Robert Kurko, Mark Durko, John Durko and Suzie McKnight. Also, very special to Suzanne was Terrie Best her daughter-in-law; Conny Brunson, her niece and Anna Schack also her niece. Suzanne also had two siblings, Clinton Harris and Linda Harris who are deceased as well as her ex-husband, Robert Durko. Suzanne has 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren and many loving fiends.
I would also like to thank Carmen Boje for her love and care that she showed towards Suzanne. I would like to give a warm thank you for the nurses that cared for Suzanne, Victoria and Shanae that were more like family to us from Ambercare Hospice. I would also thank Dr Kay Bankarim for all the years that she was Suzanne's doctor, a very professional, caring and compassionate doctor,
The Durko family has entrusted their loved one to the care of PCS Direct Cremation Service for direct cremation. To sign the online register book, please visit www.cremation-pcs.com.
