Susan Smith Paquet

SUSAN IRMA SMITH PAQUET

7-14-46 to 11-1-18.  Died from ovarian cancer.

Susan was an intelligent woman with interests including family, career, creative writing and her  pet goats and standard poodles.  She approached life with optimism and a great sense of humor.

In later years, she developed progressive mobility issues, moving first with a cane, then a walker, and finally a wheelchair.  Nevertheless, move she did, and she traveled with determination and zest - a persistent metaphor for how she lived her life.

Susan felt that her life was filled with blessings.  She married her soulmate, Andy, in 1967.  Through the years that followed, he was her best friend, partner, confidant, and supporter in all of her various endeavors.  Together, they were the living embodiment of the vows they made over 50 years ago and renewed last summer.  They had one child, a daughter, Mandy, their pride and joy, and they delighted in their grandson, Carver.  Susan enjoyed speaking Spanish with him and he loved playing board and card games with his “Abuelita”.

Susan was born in Pueblo, Colorado and grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of New Mexico and her master’s degree and law degree from the University of Arizona.  This was during a time when few women pursued graduate degrees or careers outside the home.  Susan practiced law for over 30 years.  She was  one of the first woman partners in a major law firm in Fort Worth, Texas.  At the time of her death, Susan was a partner in the Texas firm of Brown Pruitt Wambsganss Ferrill & Dean, P.C.

Susan practiced primarily in the area of adoption law, was an active member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and served the Texas State Bar in various committee positions.  Susan received numerous honors for her legal accomplishments, her service to the bar, and for her dedication to mentoring other lawyers.

In addition to her legal work, Susan published short stories and poetry in various journals and anthologies.  She also published two award winning books.

Susan leaves behind her husband, Andrew Paquet, Jr.; daughter, Amanda Paquet; son-in-law, Jeffrey Darnell; grandson, Andrew Carver Roe Darnell; and poodle, Asta.  Susan’s parents, James H. Smith and Doris Thornburg Smith, predeceased her.

At Susan’s request, no funeral services are scheduled.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Methodist church affiliated Lydia Patterson Institute, a multicultural school educating youth from both sides of the border, 517 S. Florence, El Paso, Texas 79901 Attn: Dr. De Anda.