Suzanne Wright Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 30, 2016.

After fighting a courageous nine month battle with pancreatic cancer, Suzanne Wright passed on July 29, 2016. Suzanne was surrounded by her family at the time of her death. She was 69. In 2005, Suzanne and her husband Bob Wright, co-founded Autism Speaks after their grandson Christian, was diagnosed with autism. Guided by the Wright's leadership and vision, Autism Speaks has since grown into the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. Suzanne was born in the Bronx on December 16, 1946. She was the daughter of James Werner, a lieutenant in the New York Police Department and combat veteran of World War II, and Ruth Tobin Werner, a homemaker. Suzanne was raised in West Hempstead, Long Island. As a high school senior, she met her future husband when she attended a dance at the College of the Holy Cross, where Bob was a student. She knew immediately that he would become her husband. They married in 1967, between Bob's second and third year of law school at the University of Virginia School of Law, and moved into married student housing on campus. To help support her husband, Suzanne took a job as the assistant to the manager of the Monticello Hotel. Suzanne's education and career ambitions were put on hold while she focused on raising her three children and supporting Bob in his legal and business career, which included a federal court legal clerkship, private legal practice, positions of increasing responsibility at General Electric, and the role of president of Cox Enterprises. In 1986, he was named president and CEO of NBC. She moved her household 11 times in their first 15 years of marriage. Suzanne quickly became a vital part of the culture at NBC, helping to make the company a warm place where people felt valued and their contributions appreciated. Countless employees were touched by her acts of kindness over the twenty years that she and Bob were part of NBC. Susanne never hesitated to reach out to members of her NBC family, whether in times of need or celebration. Her commitment to her husband and to NBC did not keep her from pursuing her dream of earning her college degree. After several years of hard work, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Sarah Lawrence College in 1998. In addition to her work with Autism Speaks, Suzanne had an extensive history of active involvement in community and philanthropic endeavors, primarily focused on helping children. She served on the board of directors for several organizations, including Make-A-Wish Metro New York, the Laura Pels Foundation, the Inner-City Foundation for Charity & Education, and the Philidelphia-based Champions of Caring Project. Suzanne was a trusted emeritus of Sarah Lawrence College, her alma mater, and served on the board of the Tony Randall Theatrical Fund. She also received numerous awards, including the Women of Distinction Award from Palm Beach Atlantic University, the Child Magazine Children's Champions Award, Luella Bennack Volunteer Award, Spirit of Achievement Award from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine's National Women's Division, and the Women of Vision Award from the Weizmann Institute of Science. In 2008, Suzanne and Bob were named in Time 100's "Heroes and Pioneers" category for their commitment to global autism advocacy. They also received the first Double Helix Award for Corporate Leadership from Dr. James Watson and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the NYU Child Advocacy Award, the Castle Connolly National Health Leadership Award, and the American Ireland Fund Humanitarian Award. The Wrights have received honorary doctorates from St. John's University, St. Joseph's University and the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Bob serves on the corporate Board of the Lustgarten Foundation, the nation's largest nonprofit funder of pancreatic cancer research. Suzanne is survived by her husband of 48 years and three children, Catherine Anne, Christopher James, and Maggie Suzanne. A fourth child, Sarah Suzanne died in infancy. Suzanne is also survived by six grandchildren, Christian, Mattias, Morgan, Maise, Alex and Sloan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Autism Speaks or the Lustgarten Foundation, which advances pancreatic cancer research. Family will receive friends Monday and Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm at Frank E. Campbell, Madison Ave. at 81st St., Mass of the Resurrection Wednesday 10am St. Patrick's Cathedral.

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October 6, 2016

Please accept our deepest condolences to the entire Wright's family.

Mrs. Suzanne will always hold a special place in the field of autism for her valiant efforts in increasing awareness and advocating for persons with autism and her legacy is sure to live on.

Autism speaks has become the face for Autism awareness worldwide through her efforts, and this is sure to continue thanks to the strong organization she helped to build.

With our sincere sympathy,

Mohammed Bader Al-Sada
Managing Director of Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities
Doha - Qatar

August 22, 2016

Deepest sympathy to Bob and the entire Wright family. May she rest in peace. Greg and Jo Ann Bruno (Sarasota, Florida)

August 16, 2016

John Townsend

My deepest condolences to you, Bob, and your family.
I am a retired HS English teacher.I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Suzanne in a collaboration between Sarah Lawrence students and Yonkers Prep, which was an alternative HS for bright students who had difficulty functioning in a traditional large HS setting.
While introducing the students to Theater Arts, and and working with them to write and stage an original play on the Sarah Lawrence stage( later renamed the Suzanne Wright Theater), she formed a special bond with them, and they with her.
I'm certain they all still remember twenty years later how after only a few class sessions,Suzanne took the initiative, and suggested and arranged two trips for them- one to the Museum of TV and Radio in Manhattan, and the other a hands-on day at the then brand new MSNBC facility in Paramus, NJ.
She also surprised me with a chauffered limo delivery to Yonkers Prep of video equipment for the program,and cases of student and teacher materials for the then still to be aired NBC special, "The Odyssey".
I will always remember her as a caring, generous,unassuming person, who made it her business to pitch in and assist wherever she perceived a need.
She will be sorely missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

August 10, 2016

Maryann Campbell

Thank you for your leadership and vision on your quest to teach the world about Autism. A true Champion, making a difference for so many of us in this field. You and your passion shall be missed.

August 8, 2016

Leslie Newing

My thoughts and prayers are with the Wright Family at this time.

August 5, 2016

Dian Fitzpatrick

What a beautiful lady and what a beautiful life. Thank you for elegance personified on this Earth Mrs. Wright. Your love and determination created a unique legacy for so many.
You have made important a long ignored and misunderstood population of children. The world now finally understands why they deserve our very best. Brava! What a job well done. God bless you and your family. Sincere condolences from a special ed teacher who knows, more than most, just how important the ramification's of your mother's grace will forever be.

August 4, 2016

Gayle Terry

May God comfort the Wright family. Mrs Wright may you rest in peace. You were an extraordinary soul and will be fondly remembered always.

August 4, 2016

Gayle Terry

May God comfort the Wright family. Mrs Wright may you rest in peace. You were an extraordinary soul and will be fondly remembered always.

August 3, 2016

Evelyn A. Molloy

Although I never met Suzanne in my travels she was spoken often by my Sister in law, Michele Barnett and the wonderful times they spent in NY and Nantucket. My sincere condolences to you and family. She was a legend in the fight of Autism and will be missed by all! Bob, my best to you and your Family! My Dad passed in May. I know they are having cocktails and playing 18!

August 3, 2016

Kathi Hurlie

Suzanne was a constant source of support during my time with NBC. She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

August 3, 2016

To Suzanne's family......I know what a blow her passing is to all of you......however, I have no doubt that the Angels in Heaven are rejoicing to have her on board with her boundless energy and 'can do' spirit.....she was a light in all of our lives; we will all miss her......love to you, Wilma Jordan, George, Elizabeth and Will Green

August 2, 2016

Dianne and Phil Bailey

My deepest condolences to the Wright family on the loss of Suzanne. My parents Kay and Pat Raftery were great friends of her parents so we shared many beach days at Point Lookout and many family parties. It was as a teacher, mother and grandmother I watched her with admiration for her part in fighting for Christian, thereby giving voice to so many families. Prayers for your family from an old family friend...Dianne Raftery Bailey

August 2, 2016

karen simon

i had the pleasure of working with suzanne on a luncheon for the st augustine school of the arts. she was a delight, and a wonderful supporter of this school. i will always remember her fondly.

August 2, 2016

Celma Gallego

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.~ John 14:18

August 2, 2016

Dennis Lynch

Bob, Suzanne is up in heaven debating with Michele Barnett as to why they were called too early to heaven leaving behind their loved ones. May they both rest in peace.

August 2, 2016

Dear Wright family,

It was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of Suzanne Wright. I was privileged to be in the executive A/V group at NBC during Mr. Wright's chairmanship. It was there that I met Suzanne as I provided A/V services for him. She was always gracious, classy and grateful for my help. I still treasure the handwritten thank you notes she sent me.
Suzanne has left her legacy with the people she knew, and all of the people she helped during her lifetime.

The world is a lesser place without her....

Lloyd Prezant

August 1, 2016

Imus

Suzanne, you were such a bright constant light in a world that was turned upside down for so many. You helped so many children. Our deepest heartfelt condolences and love to Bob, Katie, Maggie, Christopher, and the entire Wright family.

Deirdre, Don and Wyatt Imus

August 1, 2016

Bob, Katie and family, our deepest sympathy. We consider it a great honor to have known Suzanne and to have shared her passion of grand children.
Charlie and Kathy Rush

August 1, 2016

John Westerman

Bob, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I was very sad to learn of the loss of your wife Suzanne. You always seemed very happy in each other's company. Such a terrible disease. God bless all of you.

August 1, 2016

Bob,thank you for the work that you and Suzanne have done for the autistic. She was a powerful force and I am sure she will be finding new ways to help you from her well-deserved place in Heaven. ~In the Spirit, Barry Champney

August 1, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wright Family.
Patti O'Brien McGarry, John O'Brien & Colleen O'Brien Carignan

August 1, 2016

Le Moyne College

Please accept the most heartfelt sympathies of Le Moyne College. We hope the love and memories that you will forever hold in your heart bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Le Moyne College, Office of Alumni and Parent Programs
Syracuse, NY

July 31, 2016

Judy and I will always remember Suzanne as a beautiful, vibrant woman. Our thoughts, prayers are with you, together with memories of long ago. God bless you and your family. Judy and Bart Gorman ( New Hartford, NY)

July 31, 2016

Such sad and shocking news...a true loss for the world!
Suzanne was my first memory of what a true friend was over 50 years ago. Her amazing life and family are just a glimse of what an amazing human she truly was...much love to Bob and her family. Che' Roehner

July 30, 2016

Kathy & Hank Singer

One less angel on earth, one more in heaven. Farewell Suzanne - we thank God for your time with us and ask him to bless and be with your grieving relatives and friends.

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