Florida Rep. Scott Plakon’s (R-Longwood) wife, Susie, died Tuesday after battling Alzheimer’s. She was 57.
“Susie Rushing Plakon, my beloved wife of 33 years, has just stepped into eternity while in my arms and surrounded by her loving family. She will now be forever with Jesus, the One she loved even more than me or life itself,” Scott posted to Facebook.
According to the Orlando Sentinel:
Since his wife’s diagnosis in 2012, Plakon has become an ally for victims and caregivers of a disease that affects an estimated 5.5 million Americans. He used social media to openly share his pain, while also using his legislative clout in Tallahassee to push for more research in hopes of finding a cure. …
Plakon helped defeat a push to defund about half of 15 authorized memory disorder centers in the state, thanks to a bipartisan push. And during the 2017 legislative session, he co-sponsored a bill that allowed Florida Hospital to establish the 16th memory disorder center in Florida, this one based in Winter Park.
“When things happen, you wonder what’s God’s purpose is in all of this,” Plakon told me last week. “What’s going on here? And all the good things that have happened with the funding I’ve been able to get, speaking at the Alzheimer’s Association convention, the memory center, Alzheimer’s month, all of this stuff that we’ve been able to do. That’s Susie inspired.”
People have flocked to Facebook to share their memories of Susie.
The Plakon’s son, Jamison, said: “You will be missed but never forgotten. I will continue to love you forever. I thank Jesus everyday for giving me incredible amazing person for a mother. Actually the best person I ever knew and will ever know. I will continue your legacy by helping others and loving others. I will continue to keep my eyes focused on Jesus. You are now up in heaven face to face with Jesus our Lord and savior and no longer in pain. Your legacy will continue on and you will still continue to keep helping people. I will tell people for the rest of my life that not only were you my mother you were also and still are my best friend.”
Charisma Founder and CEO Steve Strang was among them. He wrote: “Susie and Scott Plakon have been close friends for a long time. Today Susie graduated to heaven at only age 57. Joy and I will miss her very much but know she’s in a better place. Please pray for Scott and their six children and extended family.”
Another person wrote: “Such a precious person. She always greeted everyone with a smile and kind words. Her testimony will live on because she touched so many lives. Praying for peace and comfort for the family.”
Another said: “Blessed to have known Susie Rushing Plakon as her legacy and steadfast faith will live on through my dear friend, colleague and her husband Scott Plakon, her children, and the memory care clinic named in her honor at Florida Hospital. Eternal rest grant to your soul our dear Susie and may perpetual light shine upon you…”
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday at Church in the Sun in Orlando.
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