Suzanne Barrett

It is with great sadness, our beloved mother, Suzanne Barrett, 89.5 years, of San Martin, CA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 15, 2026. Suzanne was born on September 21,1936 to Alton and Catherine Van Gemert in Green Bay, Wisconsin. After graduating from Mount Mary University, Suzanne while on a visit in Long Beach, CA met and soon after married her husband, Perry H. Barrett Jr. They were married for a blessed 57 years. Perry predeceased Suzanne in 2017. She is survived by her 4 children; daughters Tori, Katie (Derek) and sons Perry (Cheryl), Ramsey (Kim). 8 grandchildren; Jenny (Joe), Robert (Ashley), Trent (Brittany), Garrett (Taylor), Nicole (Troy), James, Morgan (Justin), Taelor along with 12 great grandchildren, her sisters Nan, Mary (Josh), Marguerite (Mike) and brother Paul (Lynn) and sister-in-law Dianne. Suzanne leaves behind many kind and brokenhearted friends including those special ladies from Merrill Gardens who always brightened her day. A wonderful group who spent many hours "puzzling", chatting and enjoying time together.

Suzanne was a big personality with many accomplishments. Raising 4 independent children, completing a masters degree all while teaching at Herbert Hoover Jr High as an Art and Science teacher for over 35 years. She loved science and became a Shaklee Vitamin distributor for over 40 years sharing the idea of good health through nutrition, teaching courses at Kaiser on nutrition. Suzanne was ever the social powerhouse, involved in many community programs; feeding the less fortunate at The Lords Table, book club, AAUW, WIT, Gilroy/Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce member, creating arts-n-crafts programs at the senior center. Suzanne had a green thumb, loved gardening and was an avid flower grower. President of the Morgan Hill Flowers Club for many years before passing the baton, was just shy of seeing the program reach its 100 year mark. When she wasn't busy with all of the above, she loved to bake her specialty of persimmon cake and cookies to share with family, neighbors and friends.

Our mom loved the Good Lord, had true faith and belief in prayer and Jesus. Her prayer group was a powerful blessing to her throughout her life and especially in the past few years. "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) she let go and allowed God to take her to eternal peace.

We will cherish our lifetime of love, memories and the wonderful legacy bestowed upon us.

A mass to honor Suzanne's life will be held at the Chapel at St Mary's Parish at 11 First Street, Gilroy will held on Tuesday, April 28th at 10:00am. A family private burial at a later date will take place for her to lay at rest with her husband, Perry at the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery.