After injury, she finds a new life

By JEAN HAYES, Times Staff Writer
Published December 23, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT "It's a wonderful feeling to be comfortable in one's skin," Suzanne Hill says. "I cherish each day; this works for me." [Maurice Rivenbark | Times]

How long have you lived in Hernando County, and where do you live? Where did you live previously?

We moved to Spring Hill in 1995 after an old skiing injury of mine kicked up. The neurologist said I should be in a warm climate with access to a pool. I was born and raised in South Woodstock, Maine. We lived in a funeral home; it was the family business for six generations. After we married, we lived in Boston, then moved to Quincy, Mass., and later to Bow, N.H.

Who are the members of your family?

Norm Hill and I had two children. Son David Hill, now 48, lives in the house we moved out of when we moved to Florida, and he has two boys, ages 15 and 16. Daughter Becky Benavidez is 43 and lives in Phoenix. She has three children, ages 10 and 8, plus a 2-month-old named Suzanne. My father is 92 and is a snowbird. He winters in Brandon and also stays in the family homestead in Maine. I also have a sister in Maine, a sister in New Mexico and a brother in Tennessee. Dad brings us all together at Indian Rocks Beach each Christmas, and we all get together with my dad in Maine each summer.

Tell us about your career.

After I graduated Fisher Junior College in Boston, I worked as the personal secretary to the treasurer of John Hancock in downtown Boston. After we moved out of Boston, I was a stay-at-home mom in the 1960s. In the early 1970s, I took a part-time job at Concord Mental Health Center. My brother-in-law was the CEO, so the interview process was simple. I stayed through three CEOs, for a total of 25 years.

I managed the suicide prevention program at the local hospital for 10 years and worked for the CEO the last 15 years of my time there.

What kinds of activities are you involved in now?

Several years after moving to Spring Hill, I became active with the Business and Professional Women and was their membership chair for several years. During that time I received a "Woman of Achievement" award.

Last month was the end of two terms on the Hernando County Elder Affairs Committee. It was also my last month as board member for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. I became a member of these two programs when I was an elder abuse awareness coordinator at the Dawn Center.

I've been working part-time with Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2004. Currently I'm the community outreach manager.

My former father-in-law, Dr. Norman Hill, developed Alzheimer's disease and his wife, Pearl, became active in setting up support groups and was later known for her stewardships in the county. She was very active at USF on the Suncoast Alzheimer's and Gerontology Development Committee. Since their deaths, Norm and I have been active members of that same board.

I am also a member of Community Resource Council, the Hernando Senior Service Network and the Fun Club.

Do you have any special hobbies?

I love to follow tennis. I've gone to Tampa the last few years to see Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Chris Evert and other top-notch players. I have never enjoyed crafts - I have trouble with Scotch tape - but I do love museums, fine arts and theater. I also love to read, and swim at the Hernando County Family YMCA, and thoroughly enjoy my own company. It's a wonderful feeling to be comfortable in one's skin. I cherish each day; this works for me.

What are your favorite things to do in Hernando County?

Pine Island. I can go there and in my mind be on any of the many islands I've visited over the years, including Aruba. I enjoy catching a movie and a bite to eat with friends.

What do you think would make Hernando County a better place to live?

I'm quite content with Hernando County. I am not going to "be on any committees" to change things, so I need not criticize.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.

Norm and I chose to end our classy marriage and have a classy divorce after 43 years. We continue to stay in touch. He continues to be a good dad and grandfather, and he and I will forever be in touch. He travels in his "fifth wheel" and is presently in Arizona. He comes back to Florida in February and stays in Maine from June to October.

I was once a very active and, I must say, buff tennis player. I see tennis as a dance. It is a graceful sport that I've loved to play since being a child at camp. My dream was to retire, wake up each morning and put on tennis clothes. That dream did not come true because of my skiing injury. But my grandmother always said, "If you get a lemon, make lemonade," and I try to follow her lead. She lived to be 95 and had her wits about her. I see myself in her.

Hernando Neighbors is an occasional feature of the Hernando Times. Do you know someone who would make a good profile? We'd like to hear from you. Contact Jean Hayes, community news coordinator, at jhayes@sptimes.com or 848-1438.

[Last modified December 22, 2007, 20:10:11]