Sydney was petite but larger than life. She was always planning and always doing. And she was ALWAYS in charge. She was loving, giving, artistic, kind, caring, creative, thoughtful and a caretaker.
Family was the most important part of her life. There was always plenty of love, lots of traditions and tons of memories made together.
She shared that love with everyone that needed it. She touched many lives, not just her family members but as a friend, teacher, mentor, coworker, neighbor, volunteer or just an acquaintance. She was very much a second mom to many.
She always went above and beyond to make people feel special. She never forgot Birthdays or special occasions.
Sydney was born to Duane J. Adams and Ruth Miller Adams on October 4, 1936. She was the baby of the family with four older siblings, all of whom preceded her in death.
She grew up in small town Fortville, Indiana and shared many fond memories of life there. In high school, she was a cheerleader and met her soul mate, Jimmie. She graduated from Fortville High School in 1954.
Sydney went on to Ball State Teachers College where she was a cheerleader and a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She became engaged and married her “Jimmie”, James Suiter in August of 1957. In 1958 she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. She eventually got her Masters Degree.
She and James had three children. When the kids reached school age she went back to teaching. Sydney taught 2nd grade at Carmel Elementary for nearly 30 years. Her love of animals and nature blossomed into a nature club that she led for years. She was an amazing teacher and was the Carmel Clay Teacher of the Year in 1993.
Sydney retired in 1999 and then the grandchildren took center stage. She planned themed birthday parties and fun sleepovers with games, crafts and tea parties. She had 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, whom she loved, enjoyed and supported in every way always.
Family was the center of her retirement. There were many gatherings, activities and fun. And they were BIG and often. From Wednesday night family dinners, themed birthday parties, Connor Prairie’s Headless Horsemen, and multiple holiday fun. Even Santa and Mrs. Claus joined us for Christmas every year.
Sydney is survived by her husband of 65 years, James "Jim" Suiter, daughters, Betsy Onofrey (Dave), Mindy Long (Larry) and son Jamie Suiter (Lisa), 11 grandchildren, Vanessa Suiter, Justin Long (Jennifer), Kashmir Stott (Liam), David Onofrey (Ronnie), Jarred Long, Lexi Onofrey, Sydney Suiter, Catherine Onofrey, James Onofrey, Lainey Suiter, and Lola Suiter, 3 great grandchildren, Henry Suiter, Jackson Long and Fallon Stott, her 45 year old turtle, Tulip and all the children she loved and taught over her 30 year teaching career.
A visitation for Sydney will be held Wednesday, September 28, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Leppert Mortuaries – Carmel, 900 N. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, Indiana 46032. A second visitation will occur Thursday, September 29, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Carmel United Methodist Church, 621 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, Indiana 46032, with a funeral service immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sydney's memory may be made to the Carmel Education Foundation, 515 East Main Street Suite 124, Carmel, Indiana 46032 or the Hamilton County Humane Society, 10501 Hague Rd, Fishers, Indiana 46038.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leppertmortuarycarmel.com for the Suiter family.
