Suzanne and Allan were both born on the east coast, Suzanne in Bethesda, MD and Allan in Tonawanda, NY (near Buffalo). Suzanne and Allan both came west, Allan in 1964 and Suzanne in 1965 to the Seattle area. Suzanne is a cradle Catholic, Allan raised a Lutheran.

They met on a blind date in 1993 and married in 1994. A co-worker thought they would be a perfect match because they were both “list makers”. Allan is self-employed, working in real estate investments and management. Suzanne has her BS in Nursing from the Udub. She is a RN case manager for HDI, part of AIG insurance; she works with out of state claimants with work-related injuries.

Suzanne was always active in St. Monica’s Parish in CYO, Youth Group, etc. But when she went to public school for junior and senior high school as well as Community College, she became less active. They joined St. Anne Parish about 2002 and several years later, about 2005, Marilyn Simon asked Suzanne if she’d like to be a Eucharistic Minister. Since Suzanne had done that before in college, she agreed.

But that was only the beginning. Marilyn subsequently told her about Cabrini Ministry, a weekly, nine-month training (AND four Saturdays!) for lay ministers. Now Suzanne takes Holy Communion to parishioners in their homes as well as helping at Viewpointe Retirement Community when Marilyn is away or needs time away.

In the meantime, Allan went through the RCIA program with Sr. Marilyn and Fr. Bob. Not to be outdone, he ushers at the Saturday evening Mass, participates in the Peace and Justice Book Club and is currently a member of the Pastoral Council.

They both, along with 3 1/2 year old daughter AnneMarie, help maintain the planting beds around the church. Allan has also brought his paint brushes and rollers to the church and has begun doing a few “handy-man” jobs: repairing, plumbing, etc. Marian Young has warned him this is a dangerous thing to do, but he stalwartly goes forward.

Suzanne feels our parish is warm, welcoming and friendly; Allan always seemed to have Catholic friends when he was growing up that were funny and friendly and he finds that here, too. Even though they lead busy lives, they still make participation at St. Anne a priority which is obvious by their involvement. We are certainly lucky to have them with us!