Susan “Suzi” Ann Yung Jelinek passed away after an eight-year battle with multiple myeloma, leaving behind a legacy of faith, determination, laughter, and a remarkable ability to excel at just about everything she set her mind to.

Born in Chicago to immigrant parents, Suzi moved with her family to Shaker Heights, Ohio, at the age of three. From an early age, she was known for her energy and work ethic, helping in her parents’ restaurant. She pursued synchronized swimming during middle and high school, placing first at the district and state levels. Suzi was also a prominent member of the cheerleading squad and was selected as Homecoming Queen of Shaker Heights High School.

Suzi attended The Ohio State University from 1967 to 1972, earning degrees in education and psychology while also completing dental hygiene training. During her time there, she was a varsity cheerleader and captain of the cheerleading squad. In 1968, she was named Ohio State Homecoming Queen, and that same year, she was chosen as the Big Ten Centennial Queen. She accompanied the undefeated 1968 Buckeyes to California and rode on Ohio State’s float in the 1969 Rose Bowl Parade.

After graduation, Suzi practiced dental hygiene in Colorado and spent as much time as possible on the ski slopes. She later moved to Connecticut, where she continued her work as a dental hygienist before returning to The Ohio State to attend the College of Dentistry, graduating with her D.D.S. in 1983.

While in dental school, Suzi met the love of her life, Jim. They married in March 1984 and began a partnership that would span more than four decades. During Jim’s Army service from 1983 to 1986, Suzi practiced dentistry both within military settings and in civilian communities. The couple practiced as dental associates throughout Virginia before opening their own dental practice in 1988 in Warrenton, VA. Yung and Jelinek Family Dentistry still continues to serve as a dental practice in Warrenton. Its continued success is rooted in the principles, culture, and core values that Suzi established early on and upheld throughout her years of ownership and practice.

In addition to building a successful business, she also built a loving family with Jim, welcoming two sons, Jamie and Andrew. Suzi poured her heart into motherhood. She was a devoted hockey mom, enthusiastically supporting countless travel ice hockey practices and tournaments. She was also an avid tennis player -a sport she picked up during dental school and loved for the rest of her life. Alongside Jim, she embraced windsurfing, and the family created treasured memories during trips to the Outer Banks, Aruba, and Bonaire. Whether on a tennis court, a windsurfing board, a ski slope, or a hockey rink, Suzi rarely chose the slow lane.

While in dental school, Suzi became a born-again Christian, beginning a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ that became the foundation of her life. She was bold in her faith, sharing the gospel with many, including chairside with her own patients.

During her courageous eight-year battle with cancer, she demonstrated tremendous strength and determination, enduring multiple rounds of treatment. Through the pain and challenges, she never complained about her circumstances. She remained active and resilient, recovering from each round of treatment more quickly than her doctors anticipated and even returning to the tennis court sooner than expected. Her unwavering trust in God and steadfast faith throughout her journey were a testament to her heart and a source of great encouragement to all who knew her.

Suzi touched countless lives as a dentist, mentor, friend, wife, mother, and woman of faith. She had a gift for making people feel cared for, encouraged, and welcome. Her warmth, humor, and adventurous spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Jim; her sons, Jamie (Lauren) Jelinek and Andrew (Rebecca) Jelinek. She is also survived by her siblings: Carol Chan, Jerry Yung, and Ed Yung, as well as many other family members, friends, colleagues, and patients whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

While she is deeply missed, those who loved Suzi take comfort in knowing that she is now home with her Savior. Her life was full, her impact was lasting, and if heaven has tennis courts, ski slopes, or windsurfing conditions, she is undoubtedly already out there.

Suzi's Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, June 20th at Park Valley Church in Haymarket, VA.

For those who wish to honor Suzi's memory with a gift, donations may be made to Oasis of Medina (https://www.oasisofmedina.com/donate) or Manjo Children's Home ( https://www.manjochildrenshome.org/donate).