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Suzette Anna McDowell of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, at the age of 88. She was born on January 24, 1938, in Sterling, Illinois, to Leopold Gaspard LaCasse and Muriel Lorraine (Ingram) LaCasse.
Suzette spent her early years in Henry County, Missouri, where she was raised until 1957. After marriage, she continued her education at Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri, Boston University, and the University of Tulsa. She later earned her Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, a milestone that reflected her lifelong dedication to learning and education.
On March 27, 1957, she married William Bond Hughes, and together they raised two children. She later married John McDowell, who preceded her in death on June 7, 2018. Suzette made her home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, beginning in 1964, and in 1982 she moved to Norman, where she resided for the remainder of her life.
Suzette lived a full and vibrant life, enriched by her love of music, gardening, sewing, hiking, and community theatre. She found great joy in social gatherings, reading, visiting museums, and attending theatrical performances. Traveling and spending time with her grandchildren were among her most valued experiences. Those who knew her will remember her for the lessons she imparted, especially the importance of education, good manners, and kindness to others.
A devoted educator, Suzette taught high school and took great pride in shaping the lives of her students. She wished to be remembered as someone who made a difference, and through her teaching and community involvement, she certainly did. Her professional and civic accomplishments were numerous. She served as the Cleveland County Democratic Chairman for six years and was honored as Activist of the Year in 2004. She was a member of the Sierra Club, and was a dedicated member of the National Education Association for three decades. Suzette was also a faithful member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Norman for many years.
Above all, Suzette loved her family and friends deeply, and they were the center of her life.
She is survived by her children, William S. Hughes and his spouse, Heather Grace Hughes of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Suzanne A. Lander and her spouse, Darryl A. Lander of Rogers, Arkansas. She is also survived by her siblings, Leo LaCasse of Reno, Nevada, Edwin Banning of San Mateo, California, Sherman Banning of Macon, Missouri, Debbie Crawford and her spouse, Kenny, of Clinton, Missouri, and Tim Banning and his spouse, Cathy, of Clinton, Missouri. She leaves behind two beloved grandchildren, Angela Francis and Celeste Lander, as well as one great-grandchild, many nieces and nephews, and her cherished rescue dog, Marie Curie.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, William Bond Hughes and John McDowell; her sisters, Anita Dehaghani and Carol Mitchell; and her brother, Michel LaCasse.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Norman, Oklahoma. Arrangements are entrusted to Havenbrook Funeral Home.
Suzette’s legacy of compassion, intellect, and service will live on in the many lives she touched.
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