Susie was born in Bermuda to Alda and David Rego on February 8, 1973.

She was the youngest of seven children. Even though Susie moved to the US in 1980, she continued to visit and spend her summers with me in her beloved Bermuda. But unfortunately she got very ill and her last visit to Bermuda was when my son Anthony was born in 1999. All she ever talked and dreamed about was coming back to Bermuda.

In 1989 Susie was diagnosed with an Optic Glioma Tumour. She was treated with radiation but was declared legally blind. This was the beginning of many severe and critical health problems for Susie. In 1993 she underwent another operation and was operated on as the Tumour grew back. In 2000 she had a stroke leaving her left side weakened but she was a fighter and continued to be hopeful and always displayed a positive attitude. Susie had a very strong will to live and for 18 years she won all her battles – the Tumour; Panhypopituitarism; hypothyroidism; diabetes insipidus-natremia; hypothermia, magnesium deficiency, osteoporosis, renal stones; bilateral rib fracture; percutaneous nephrolithotomy; flash pulmonary edema-intubated two days; Interstitial Lung Disease and an enlarged heart.

In the past two years chronic urine infections took their toll and we saw the deteration as she was hospitalised five times this year. The last battle she could not win, for her major organs had failed her with multi-system sepsis and she was trapped in a body that could no longer survive.

On September 19, 2007 Susie was hospitalised for the last time. Susie had severe sepsis and was not responding to the many drugs that she was receiving. All the drugs used she was not responding. On Tuesday, September 25, we were advised that she went into renal failure. The doctor informed us that there was only a ten percent chance that she wouldn't require dialysis for the rest of her life and would not change her prognosis. That afternoon we made one of the most difficult decisions a family can ever make. We took her of the life support and stayed by her bedside until she peacefully passed at 10.30 p.m. Her funeral was on September 28, my Dad's 70th birthday. This is now the second daughter my parents have said goodbye to within two years. My beloved sister Margaret passed unexpectedly on July 3, 2005; she was only 42 years old.

My sister Susie, my hero, and the woman I most admire for her courageous outlook on life, for the many jokes she told and for her wonderful sense of humour... Susie was a lovely charming person whose inner strength and beauty kept us all going. I remember the time when her friend Julie was left without a date for her Prom, and being the special person Susie was, she stepped in and escorted her friend. All she wanted to do was help everyone; when she was able she folded laundry and kept her drawers the neatest anyone could have, and if you touched something she would know. Susie loved listening to her music: Madonna, The Carpenters and Bob Marley. She was ever so grateful for the care she received, kissing our hand every chance she got to show her appreciation. To my parents who made it their mission to love and care for her in every way possible, especially my Dad who slept with a lamp outside his door so that he could keep a close eye on her during the many restless nights and making sure her medication was taken on time. My mother for her patience with playing crazy eights and the endless massages Susie cried for. To my dear sister Maria who sacrificed so much. She put herself through night school to qualify as Susie's healthcare provider, assisting my parents with all of Susie's needs. Indeed a labour of love.

Susie was a young lady with glittery brown eyes and an unquenchable zest for life. She did not allow her physical impairment to slow her down. Simply, she was everything a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, godmother and a friend could be. Everyone she touched could not help but to surrender to her radiant personality. At the tender age of 34 she left us all behind but her presence here will always be felt and we will cherish all the very fond memories she has left with us.

Sweet Dreams my love and thank you for being you!

From all your Family and Friends, all of us ...