Susan Custead

Susan Elizabeth Custead, age 69, of Houston Texas passed away on July 22, 2022. Susan was born in Loudon, Tennessee on October 5, 1952. She received her B.S. degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and remained a Volunteers fan for the rest of her life. Susan relocated to Houston in 1978 where she began a long and distinguished career at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Susan was instrumental in training many scientists that passed through M.D. Anderson in her role as laboratory manager in Tumor Biology. She was co-author on numerous publications for her involvement in research projects in cancer metastasis. Her final role before her retirement in 2016 was as a project manager in Research Administration where she assisted with the management of grants and contracts for the research faculty. Susan was married to Thomas Lembo, D.V.M. who passed away in 2004. She is survived by many friends and her beloved boxers, Etta and Satchmo. Susan was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Juanita, and her siblings, Robert (Buster) and Jane in Tennessee, and her husband Thom in Houston. Susan's great love for animals was evident by the number of pets she had throughout her life (dogs, cats, horses) as well as her volunteer work for various animal causes. Most notable were her many years as a volunteer for Humane Ranch of Texas, where she cared for sick and abandoned horses. Susan was an avid equestrian, and enjoyed hunter jumping and teaching many novices how to ride and handle horses.

A celebration of Susan's life is planned at a later date. To honor Susan, we ask that you hug your pets and treat them kindly, and donate to any animal cause that you find meaningful.