MEET SUGIE
My mother.
Sugie Lane Vasquez.
Sugie was so much more than a victim. She was a devoted mother, respectable daughter and loving sister. She was the embodiment of service and generosity. Although that generosity was the beginning of her end as she met and began tutoring Rogelio in English in late summer of 1976, she was also a spirit that blessed so many who were truly grateful for it. She was known for her gentle, kind spirit when it came to animals – feeding herds of feral cats in the back yard by spreading the food in a long line so they wouldn’t fight over it, being the one who folks would bring sick, half-dead animals to in order to save them.
With very little material things to her name because she was kept hidden away in her house by her controlling, abusive husband, she still managed to create magical memories for her babies – Friday night traditions of neapolitan ice cream (so everyone got a taste of their favorite flavor) while falling asleep to tv shows all snuggled together on a pallet on the floor in the living room; intricate, hilarious-but-kind April Fools jokes that brought her to her knees with laughter, laughter that was always contagious.
She cared for her children when they were ill with that magical touch that only a mother has. She consistently served her husband meals prepared to his exact specifications, kept his home tidy, carried out his bidding unfailingly. Unflinchingly.
And for her troubles, a hateful blow. A shallow filthy grave. A cowardly, murderous husband who fled. Year after year he enjoys his freedom and the breath in his body.
She is missed dearly.
We believe all women can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
Our Mission
Sugie Lane Foundation serves children, provides education, intervention and support to families and individuals dealing with domestic violence. We revive hope, restore normalcy, and inspire dreams in the lives of children orphaned by intimate partner violence.
Our Story
My Name is Emily Vasquez Ross, I just turned 14 when my beautiful mother Sugie Lane Vasquez was murdered by my father Rogelio Guerra Vasquez, I was paralyzed with grief. One of the most difficult things I had to avoid throughout the years was the black hole of despair, its a lot to relive this trauma everyday, you don’t want this to be your story. I talked everyday about the void that only my mom could fill. Desperate to make sense out of this tragedy I wondered what she would want me to do. I came to understand that my mom didn’t want me to move on; she wanted me to move forward.
I realized I could make something positive out of this unfathomable tragedy. I felt a deep sense of responsibility to make a difference in the lives of all the Sugie’s we will never know.
I was her voice when she was alive and will continue to be her voice.
Sugie Lane Foundation was established in Sugie’s memory. We are committed to inspire dreams, change lives, and revive hope. Sugie will not be remembered for her murder, but rather for all the good she inspired.