Dr. Suzanne Jones Has Passed Away
Written by Jeremy Zafran on 30 November 2022
Dr. Suzanne Jones, a mainstay in Kahnàwake at the Kateri Memorial Hospital Center for 35 years passed away last night after an illness. She was surrounded by family and loved ones. Valerie Diabo is the Director of Nursing and Community care at the KMHC. She worked with Dr. Jones for almost 15 years:
“Doctor Jones was a best friend to a lot of people at Kateri and the community. She was there for you when you needed her, she was a rock for many people and she was so dedicated to this community. She was everybody’s best friend in this community.”
Former Council Chief Clinton Phillips worked at the KMHC for 30 years:
“It’s absolutely devastating, I mean, Doctor Jones gave 110% to Kahnàwake. She was here countless hours everyday and into the evening. I remember when Doctor Jones was pregnant with some of her children and continued to work probably until the very last minute she possibly could. She really did a lot for this community in health care. It’s a tremendous loss to everybody.”
Wendy-Skye-Delaronde worked alongside Dr. Jones. She’s in disbelief at the loss:
“I was really shocked and I’m very sad about her passing. She was a true medical professional, health care professional. There were many times that I had issues with children that I needed someone to see them, she never refused and she was busy, she was totally busy. I can picture her in the hall, with people, everyone coming at her, “Doctor Jones, Doctor Jones,” and she made time for everybody, she would turn in a circle and respond to everybody who was around her.”
Jones officially retired from the KMHC in June of 2021. In tribute, starting tomorrow in the main lobby at the outpatient clinic of the KMHC, a book of condolences will be made available for anyone wanting to sign and pay their respects.
