Born in New York City, Shirley has always been inquisitive and self motivated in many ways. She was an honor student at Roslyn High School where she loved creative projects, such as sewing decorative “Woodstock” peace patches on jeans as summer job. She studied photography at Cornell University, School of Human Ecology and her work was prominently featured on the school newspaper, mostly notably being her back stage shots at Bruce Springsteen’s concert. 

Professionally, Shirley worked as a photo retoucher for acclaimed photographer Irving Penn. The capstone of her passion came as an art director for in-house publication at Liz Claiborne. In that role, she drew inspiration from the principal owners Art & Liz in planning fashion pieces roll out three seasons ahead — Think prime of the 1980’s: shoulder pads and pant suits. 

Shirley loved fabrics, colors, art, and movies. She spoke a language of colors and textures: crimson red, linen white. In 2016 she restored a 1850’s farmhouse to its original splendor and received a special commendation from the Three Village Historical Society, House of the Year. 

Shirley created a social circle of tennis friends and was proud to have made it to the NY State USTA Championship in 2004. Along with that, she was a Board member of Three Village Tennis Club and active with the North Shore Woman’s League. 

Shirley always had a generous smile with wonderful dimples. She was a loving mother and stern advocate of her twins Justin & Cristina. Shirley has been a wonderful woman of high integrity & virtue. May this awe-inspiring woman rest in peace in the arms of the Lord. 

Our north star and guiding light, she will be missed by all whom knew her.

Shirley Shung-Suazo is survived by her husband James Suazo, M.D.; her son Justin James Suazo, a Visual Artist; her daughter Cristina Lee Suazo, a Culinary Professional; her brother, Ken Shung; and her sister, Lily Hillengas.

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