The Clearwater Veterans Alliance and the veterans of Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area lost a beloved supporter and friend on October 6, 2009. Susan O’Meara, wife of Pinellas County Veterans Council president Mike O’Meara, left us suddenly and we are deeply saddened at her passing.
Susan was a founding member of what was then the Clearwater Veterans Appreciation Day organization. She was our first Secretary and supported us all, not only in that position, but also as a true example of a loving friend. Generous to a fault, she was always ready with a hug and a kind word. I called her our “bubbie” not only because of the care she took of us, but because she carried her magic “bubbie bag.” Whatever we needed was always at hand from that bag. If we had a scratchy throat, she had a hard candy; if we were thirsty, a drink would appear; if it were too warm, a hand fan; a tissue, a pen, an aspirin; and she never forgot a birthday or a special occasion. Susan brought people together and kept those in touch who may have drifted apart. She was a dedicated supporter of veterans and their causes and she loved us all.
Today, we will look around expecting to see her smiling face and hear her supportive words. What we need to remember is that she will be here in the warmth of the sunshine, the snap of the flag, and the feeling of love that surrounds us all. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. We love you and miss you, Susan.
