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Susan Gail (McKenzie) Melendez

Posted 2019-06-24 by Pat R
Wickenburg Sun (Wickenburg, Arizona)
Wednesday, May 29, 2019, p. A-4

Susan Gail Melendez peacefully went home to our Lord April 25, 2019. Susie was preceded in death by her parents Edmund and Marion McKenzie, along with her sister Lynda. Susie was born in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1951 with familial roots in Ireland and Scotland.

Although born in Canada, Susie was raised in Southern California and later moved to Arizona. From a young age, Susie always knew she'd become a nurse. In 1977, her passion for pre-hospital care began. Susie started her career as a registered nurse in the emergency department at Phoenix Baptist Hospital. Soon after, with her sharp skills and fearless nature, Susie volunteered and became one of the original trauma flight nurses in Arizona with Survival Flight out of Phoenix Baptist Hospital. Susie's passion continued to grow as she helped open Abrazo Hospital in north Glendale and held several leadership positions within the Phoenix Baptist and Abrazo Hospital Systems. Susie was eventually tapped to open a new, free standing emergency department for Abrazo in north Peoria before retiring in 2018.

Susie leaves behind Gil Melendez, her husband of 39 years; daughter Elizabeth (Steve); son Matthew; and her precious 8 month old granddaughter, Charlie.

Susie fought a courageous battle against breast cancer for four years with grace. A celebration of her life will begin with a 10 a.m. with Catholic Mass at St. Anthony of Padua in Wickenburg on Saturday, June 8, followed by a gathering in the parish hall. Arrangements are being handled by David's Desert Chapel.

See Also: Find A Grave




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