"Suzi" Yvonne Jeannie Hummel

Obituary for “Suzi” Yvonne Jeannie Hummel

Written by her children, Damian Jason Hummel and Shannon Lee Hummel

“Suzi” Yvonne Jeannie Hummel, born December 23, 1951, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, December 6, at Greene Acres Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Greene County, Virginia. She was born to Jacqueline Knight of Mt. Crawford, VA (deceased) and was raised as the daughter of Ralph and Norma Frank of Singers Glen, VA (also deceased).

Our mother lived a vivid, complicated life—one marked by both extraordinary energy, spirit, and humor as well as lifelong personal challenges. She navigated the world with a fiery, funny, quick-witted presence that left an impression wherever she went. Suzi was smart, crafty, spontaneous, and often downright unpredictable. She lived in many places, including Nevada, Colorado, and Virginia, and made friends wherever she landed. At any moment, she went where the wind took her.

She had many talents. She was musically gifted, possessing the ability to play the piano by ear. She had a beautiful, sultry singing voice that surprised and moved those fortunate enough to hear her sing. She was a sharp-tongued comedian with impeccable timing—one perfectly delivered remark could send everyone in the room into laughter. She was an excellent cook, favoring country fare that left no one hungry and everyone heavier and happier by the end of a meal. She embraced life on her own terms, sometimes boldly, sometimes recklessly, always authentically. In her own words, she “loved a party,” and pursued a sense of celebration with an intensity and in a manner that was both challenging and unpredictable, while also unforgettable, personal, and distinctly Suzi. For better or worse (and at times for both), she was entirely herself, and there was something admirable in that kind of unapologetic living.

In the past five years, Suzi’s health declined significantly as compounding conditions made independent living impossible. This fall, she moved into a permanent care facility, where round-the-clock support became necessary. After a week in the ICU at UVA Medical Center surrounded by family, she was transferred to hospice care at Greene Acres, where she passed peacefully.

Suzi is survived by her children, Damian Jason Hummel, 45, of Leesburg, VA, and Shannon Lee Hummel, 54, of Clifton Forge, VA, and Brooklyn, NY; her daughter-in-law Massiel Hummel; and her grandchildren, Khaleesi Soraya Hummel, 13, and Henry Franklin McFadden, 19.

In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated, and no public service will be held. Friends and family who wish to share memories, reflections, or messages are invited to visit the pinned posts on the Facebook pages of Damian and Shannon Hummel. Additionally, an online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com

Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.