Margaret Christine Suarez

June 29, 1942 – October 26, 2016

Margaret Christine Flagg Suarez of Odessa, FL, went home to be with the Lord on October 26, 2016 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Margaret was preceded in death by many loved ones including, but not limited to: her parents, TJ and Christine Flagg and a multitude of aunts, uncles and cousins. Margaret is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Capt. Ralph Suarez, USN Retired; her 3 daughters: Cheryl Suarez-Cammuse of Stafford, VA, her husband, Chuck and their children: Rachel Cammuse Quittschreiber and her husband, Justin, Matthew Cammuse, and Rebekah Cammuse; Christina Suarez-Conard of Ruskin, FL, her husband, Todd and their children: Anthony Conard, Emilee Conard, and Tiffany Conard and Linda S. Suarez of St Petersburg, FL. and her children, Paul Maggiore and Michelle Maggiore. She is also survived by her brother, Thomas Jay Flagg of Jacksonville, FL and his wife, Diana and her sister, Mary Ann Flagg of Tallahassee, FL and her husband, Steve Leggett.

Margaret was born in Atlanta, GA and at the age 2 relocated to Lake Wales, FL with her parents. Margaret enjoyed a childhood filled with lots of cousins and family surrounding her. She was active in girl scouting, UMF Youth Group at Lake Wales United Methodist Church and playing the Lake Wales High School Marching band. After high school graduation, Margaret proceeded on Florida State University, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. While at FSU, she met the love of her life, Ralph. The two married the day after Christmas in 1964 and started their journey, as a family, in the US Navy. Margaret loved raising her daughters, especially in the Methodist church. She enjoyed her career in social work in nursing homes advocating for elder’s rights and raising awareness about Alzheimer’s. Her later career was providing guardianship services for the elderly. Margaret also adored traveling to new places; working in her yard creating peaceful settings; going to FSU football games (more for the socializing and food); fellowshipping with her church family, reading anything she could get her hands on and eating anything sweet (especially black Jelly Beans). Above all else, Margaret loved her family, especially spending time picnicking, going to the beach, celebrating holidays, and one another’s achievements.

Margaret is described by those who knew her well as, "loving, gracious, elegant, and strong in her Christian faith with love of her family that knew no limits”.

From the poem “God’s Garden” – God looked around His garden and He found an empty place. He then looked down upon this Earth, and saw your tied face. He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best. He knew you were suffering, He knew that you were in pain. He knew that you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough, and hills were hard to climb, so He closed your eyelids, and whispered “Peace be thine.” It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

A memorial gathering will take place on Friday, November 4, 2016 from 3 to 5PM at Gonzalez Funeral Home with services beginning at 3PM. Arrangements under the direction of Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa, FL.