Over the past seven years Suzanne Hughes has assisted our family in so many more capacities than I could describe in a brief testimonial. I first met Suzanne in 2016 when I sought her help with teaching seated yoga to my aunt who was experiencing early mobility limitations imposed by a neurological disorder called Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). My aunt had lived a very active life which had continued well after her retirement from teaching at Arlington High School. As a lifelong teacher she was exact, meticulous and could be quite demanding. She had some very strong thoughts and opinions which she was rarely hesitant to express.

Over the years that followed, until her death at home early this year, my aunt’s disease progressed and her health continued to decline. In later years her health care needs expanded exponentially, however she had always felt strongly about being able to remain in her home in the City of Poughkeepsie which she shared with her husband, a retired City of Poughkeepsie Fireman. It was because of Suzanne Hughs that this hope was fully realized.

I was raised in Dutchess County, attended Arlington High School and graduated from Marist College. As my aunt and uncle aged, I found myself with the primary responsibility for managing their health care needs and personal affairs. As I lived out of state, I was not able to give them the day to day attention that they both would eventually come to require.

Suzanne is an RN with extensive experience in elder care and much of what it means to serve as a health care professional in that capacity speaks for itself. However, as my aunt and uncle faced decline in their later years (he predeceased her) our family came to rely on her for so much more.

In the early years Suzanne supervised her exercise and physical therapy, monitored medications, scheduled doctors appointments and transportation to and from appointments while providing indispensable companionship and support.

Suzanne’s care and genuine affection for both my aunt and uncle grew over the years as did our reliance on her for their ever increasing needs. My aunt eventually became ambulatory and confined to a wheelchair. She would eventually need 24 hour nursing care which required an in-home nursing staff of eight aids. Suzanne hired the staff, managed their schedules and paid them weekly. She also handled payment of other household expenses. So in addition to her supervisory medical responsibilities she became a house manager and HR point person.

In addition to being a consummate medical professional Suzanne is a person who consistently demonstrates sound judgment, extraordinary patience and unquestionable integrity. She was always there and never failed at any task required. Never.

A journey which started with the teaching of seated yoga years ago ended this January at my aunt’s home with Suzanne standing at her bedside and holding her hand as she took her last breath, a day after her 88th birthday. My family and I will be eternally grateful for her steady presence.

I frankly think that if provided with a short you tube instructional video, she could walk a tightrope over the Grand Canyon – perhaps backwards in heels.

Wayne Gleason
Washington, DC