Suz’s Story
Born to Joyce and Rupert Campbell on September 11, 1959, Suz grew up in a loving, Maryland home as the middle of three sisters. Kind, intelligent, and athletic, Suz spent her childhood engaged in the happiness of family, devoted to her studies, and dreaming of a future family of her own.
During the school year in 1976, Suz’s father unfortunately suffered a heart attack. Suz received the news at school and was visibly upset processing in the Bel Air High School lobby when a young man walked by, no knowledge of the scenario at hand, and simply offered a comforting shoulder. The rest is history. John and Suz were married June 19, 1983. They were the perfect pair. Forever bonded with unconditional love, mutual respect, and shared empowerment.
Suz graduated with an Associate’s Degree from Villa Julie College and shortly thereafter began her work in healthcare as a secretary at Fallston General Hospital. It wasn’t long before she graduated from Nursing School at Union Memorial Hospital and transitioned her skills to the bedside. Several years later she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing and shifted her talents to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center when Fallston General closed in 2000. She made countless friends and held many positions over her 43 years in healthcare: Registered Nurse, ICU & CCU Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager, and Nurse Executive, to name a few. She was a committed leader and teammate who took enormous pride in the collective successes of her teams. While she held many positions and earned accolades of her own, there is nothing she enjoyed more as a professional than being at the bedside for those in need. She was a natural caregiver; born to be a nurse. She had a wonderful, comforting presence, designed to be there for families in some of their hardest moments with love, kindness, and professional commitment.
John and Suz built a home of their own in Baldwin, Maryland next door to Joyce and Rupe and welcomed their oldest son, Kyle, into the family in 1985. They welcomed three more boys over the years, Wade, Logan, and Jacob. Four boys. Suz always said, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Her four boys were her pride and joy, and there is nothing Suz loved more than her family. She was an expert Mom. It was her natural gift. She was born to be a Mom, a Grandma, and a Nurse. She certainly excelled at all three. She currently has three grandchildren: Emilia, Teagan, and John.
In March 2021 Suz was diagnosed with brain cancer and on June 21, 2022 she passed away at home in the arms of her family. Amidst this challenge, her family was gifted the privilege of perspective; constantly reminded of life’s priorities and the power of love. It is impossible to articulate with words the impact Suzie McHugh had on her family, friends, and those blessed with an opportunity to know her. She cared about the things that mattered, loved with all her heart, and created a family that will continue to honor her until the end of time.
If you find yourself wishing for a way to honor our angel Suz, simply consider the following: Believe. Love. Pause for a moment on the first day of summer, the day Suz went to heaven, collect your thoughts and think of her beautiful smile. Call your friends on their birthdays. Give gifts for no reason. Give hugs, compliments, and forgiveness. Open your home to good people. Believe in miracles. Do what others want before they ask. Say “I love you” to those who deserve it. Show your kids what right looks like. Call your Mom. Drink wine with friends and family. Go on vacation. Cheer loud for your team. Watch the Hallmark channel. Be patriotic. Give to charity. Bake cookies. Shop with coupons. Be kind. Choose Joy. Believe in the law of attraction. Love with all your heart.
We hope Suz’s story can inspire others to invest time and love in family, focus on the importance of parenting, and take care of good humans. Suz’s life was cut short, but she will continue to inspire us always. We hope and dream her story will have an eternal impact, and we welcome any help to make this dream come true, 4Suz.
