Suzanne "Suzi" Barickman

Suzanne "Suzi" Barickman, a vibrant soul known for her sassy wit and indomitable spirit, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after a long struggle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Suzi was preceded in death by her parents Cliff and Pauline Meyer and ex-husband Bob Barickman.

She is survived by her daughters: Amanda Gibson, Laurel Barickman; their partners: David Rice, David Milner (as she liked to call them “The Daves”); grandchildren: Chris Gibson, Hailey Gibson, Devon Gibson; great-grandchildren: Aidan, Allison, Deven, Oliver, Revan, Samantha, and brother Ronald Marks.

Born on February 19, 1957, in Burbank, California, Suzi's zest for life and her infectious laughter left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Suzi spent three joyful decades in Las Cruces, where her passion for cooking, reading, and gardening flourished. Her culinary skills were unmatched, especially when it came to her legendary dry fried beef and other Schezwan favorites. She had an insatiable sweet tooth, especially for chocolate milkshakes and ice cream. Suzi was always proud of her green thumb, which resulted in beautiful plants all around her desert property and home. Suzi was always a doting pet owner and had a menagerie of animal friends including dogs, cats, birds, and even an iguana. She was never without a furry friend by her side and loved having them sit on her lap while watching one of her hundreds of movies - a true passion in her life - or the Pittsburgh Steelers on TV. One of the proudest accomplishments of her life was going to school to become a librarian — a career that allowed her to share her passion for reading with others. Her love for knowledge and the written word had her reading everything from the dictionary to fantasy and science fiction, her favorite genre.

In pursuit of being closer to her beloved daughter Amanda, Suzi moved to Edgewood, where she lived for eight years. One of Suzi's most cherished memories was a camping trip with her daughter, an adventure that epitomized the humor and bond they shared.

A collector at heart, Suzi surrounded herself with her movies, her books, and her beloved shiny trinket boxes (which she called her pretties). Her home was a treasure trove of these cherished collectibles, reflecting her unique personality and eclectic tastes.

Suzi's humor was as sharp as her intellect; she was known for her dark sense of humor and her ability to be both tough and tender. Her no-filter commentary and facetious remarks were a source of laughter, even in the most challenging times. She was strong, smart, and a true "tough old bird," a descendant of Old Black Jack Ketchum, who infamously became the first person beheaded by hanging in New Mexico. When she was only 16 years old she hitchhiked across the country against the wishes of her parents, a true example of her will and wild spirit which carried on throughout her life.

Suzi's legacy is one of resilience, humor, and an unwavering love for life. Her spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her, and her memory will be cherished forever. As we bid farewell to Suzi, we celebrate a life lived fully, with a heart full of joy and a soul full of sass. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.