Suzanne Haidri: 09/21/1960 - 01/11/2026

Hi everyone. I write to you with a heavy heart to share that my mother, Suzanne Haidri, after nearly eight years of valiantly battling Parkinson’s, passed away late Sunday evening on the 11th. She was surrounded by friends and family in her final days, and I was able to speak with her one last time.

She was a wonderful, funny, and loving woman of God who loved animals, children, family, and friends. She was also one of my biggest supporters in my ministry in Japan. I am deeply saddened by her passing, but I am also grateful that her suffering is finally over. I take comfort and joy in knowing that I will see her again someday in heaven. Still, this past week has felt as though time has stood still for me, even as the world keeps turning as if nothing happened.

To honor her memory, I would like to share one of my favorite stories about her, along with some of my favorite pictures and videos.

Video of her looking for a woodpecker: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AELGKcSoe/

For my birthday back in 2014, I believe, my mom gave me a wonderful handmade quilt: almost as tall as I am and quite heavy as well. She told me she had spent nearly four years putting it together, with the help of some friends. I even brought it with me to Japan, and I’ve held onto it ever since. Even when I was far away, and especially now that she’s gone, wrapping myself in it feels like she’s giving me a hug. It’s a priceless treasure that I hope to pass down to my children, and to their children.

Please keep my dad, who has been her diligent and hardworking caretaker for the past eight years, my sister, and me in your prayers as we remember, grieve, and share her memory.

Rest in peace, my wonderful and brave mother. I love you and I'll see you again someday.

2 Timothy 4: 7-8

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."