This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Suzanne Burnham Tibbals, 61, of Clinton passed suddenly on Sept. 5. Always one for long goodbyes, her family and friends were stunned that hers was so quick. Born on June, 13, 1956, in Hartford, Suzanne lived the majority of her days filled with love, high energy, and generosity.

She lived amidst a large circle of relatives, friends, and loved ones who cherished her bright smile and caring heart. Suzanne placed high value on her friends and family, nurturing many friendships that lasted her entire life. She was a talented artist, creating portraits of people, pets, and wildlife that were showcased by the Clinton Art Society, of which she was an elected member. She won several awards in juried art shows for her work over the years. A graduate of Morgan High School in 1974, Suzanne also earned a degree in art from Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont. Over the course of her lifetime, she became quite accomplished with pen and ink, pastels, and a variety of mediums.

She always loved to travel, having completed a memorable drive across the country with her brother David in 1988. Her honeymoon in 1994 with Sam Tibbals was spent traveling to Africa and witnessing all of the wildlife that she was so adept at drawing. She journeyed to the Far East with her mother in 1999 and also loved her trips to England, Germany, Australia, and several Caribbean Islands. Her travels even took a vertical direction, as she went sky diving in Oregon on her fortieth birthday.

Suzanne was predeceased by her father Robert M. Burnham (2009), whom she never stopped missing. Now she will be deeply missed by her mother Beatrice Burnham of Clinton; her brothers David (Clinton) and Robert (Iowa); ex-husband and longtime close friend, Sam Tibbals (Westbrook); and numerous friends who thought the world of her. Her family and friends have trouble imagining the world without her.

A graveside service was held for Suzanne at the Indian River Cemetery in Clinton on Sept. 23. Afterwards, a buffet-style lunch and celebration of Suzanne's life was held at 3 Shore Grove Dr. in Clinton. Suzanne's nickname was "Bird," so in lieu of flowers, the family asks for a donation to her favorite bird rescue and rehabilitation charity, Like A Feather, 50 Prospect Hill Rd., Guilford, CT 06437.