On Saturday, November 26, 2022, Cynthia Ann "Suzy" Herbison, passed away at age 82.
Suzy was a voracious reader, lover of dogs, amateur naturalist and bird watcher. Suzy earned her bachelor's in education from the University of Wyoming. She spent the majority of her career as an Adaptive PE teacher in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Suzy was heavily involved in Special Olympics and a founding member of therapeutic riding program in Colorado Springs. Throughout her career, she was recognized for her volunteer work, working with children of all disabilities and challenges. Later in life she became involved in pet therapy, traveling to help train pet therapy dogs, becoming a certified pet therapy instructor. Suzy enjoyed taking her Newfies to Craig Hospital and Children's Hospital in Denver Colorado.
Her capacity to love all animals knew no bounds. The Herbison house was a menagerie of animals including birds, rabbits, frogs, hamsters, llamas, horses and so many puppies. Her daughters were never denied a pet, and no animal in need was ever turned from her door. Her love and knowledge of all animals was truly that of a naturalist. She was an avid bird watcher and loved bees. Later in life, as her friends aged and some of them had to give up a beloved pet, they inevitably wound up with Suzy "temporarily" she would say; we all knew it was permanent. Suzy was an avid reader, with a tendency towards murder mysteries. Mornings would find her with a cup of coffee, the news and the Thursday paper delivered by Shelley. The family knew not to engage with Suzy before her morning cup of joe. Above all she was a loving grandma to both Kayla and BreAnna, cheering them on at sporting events, boasting about how smart they are and swearing them to secrecy. "Don't tell your mom!" she would often say.
Suzy was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Leonard and Anna Pearl Simpson and brother, Sammy Simpson. Survivors include her daughters, Andrea Boortz and Kathleen "Shelley" Parra; granddaughters, Kayla Young and BreAnna Parra and great-granddaughter, Wyatt.
A celebration of life will be planned in the near future both in Worland, Wyoming where she passed and Parker, Colorado where she spent so many years building friendships and memories. Information regarding donations will accompany celebration of life details. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneral
homeonline.com.