Susan Hegener Parrish, 66

Susan “Susie” Hegener Parrish, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and trusted friend passed away in her sleep on the morning of Jan. 28, 2014.

Susie was born in Inglewood, Calif., to Joseph L. Hegener and Marjorie Mabie Hegener on Jan. 15, 1948. She moved to Pacific Palisades in 1950 and lived there until the age of 20.

On June 1, 1968, she married Ensign John Michael Parrish (U.S. Navy), and embarked with him on a 30-year Naval career, which took them and their family throughout the world.

In 1993 after John’s retirement they settled at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.

Susie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 at the age of 38.

She has spent the last 27 years as a breast cancer survivor, tirelessly raising awareness of this disease that affects not only the women who are diagnosed with it, but also their entire family who live through its long-lasting effects.

In 2003 Susie was awarded the LPGA Komen Award for her work to establish the Rally for a Cure Golf Tournament at the Waterfront Country Club at Smith Mountain Lake.

Susie successfully organized the Rally for a Cure at the Waterfront Country Club for 10 years, making it at the time the largest Rally in the nation. She is the only individual to win this award who is not a professional golfer or a corporate entity.

Susie was an avid golfer until 2011 when her health no longer allowed her to play the game. Until her death, she was an active member of Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, Virginia.

Susie is survived by her husband, John; their three children Matthew (and wife Kristin), Heather (and husband Frank), and Hilary (and husband Bernie); eight grandchildren; and her older sister Mary Jo Bernard (and husband John).

Susie is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Marjorie Hegener and her brother, Pete Hegener.

The family thanks Dr. Daniel Temeles, his nurse Debbie McCovkindale and his Bedford Office Staff for the loving care they gave Susie over the past 10 years.

The family also requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in Susie Parrish’s name.