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Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.
W.H. Auden
After a brief illness, Susan died suddenly at Mom’s home in Brighton Ontario on June 20th just 6 weeks short of her 62nd birthday.
She was born in Ottawa to a Royal Canadian Air Force family, the youngest child of the late Alan Stewart Robertson and Rita Ellen Robertson (Campbell). She is survived by her mother Rita, sister Pat, brother in-law Byron, brother Murray, nephew Alex, Murray’s partner Doneve, as well as aunts and cousins, and her beloved cat Willa and of course her close circle of friends, whom she loved.
Most would say she was the most outgoing of the three kids, even from a young age. She had a mind of her own and great determination.
She started school while we were posted to 2 Wing, Grostenquin France. From there to 1 Wing, in Marville France, and then 8 Wing, in Trenton Ontario. When Dad retired from the Air Force in 1971 he bought the apple farm just outside Brighton Ontario. Susan finished public school at South Cramahe Public School and went on to high school at East Northumberland Secondary School in Brighton.
Ever the athlete, Susan played on the school’s basketball and volleyball teams, going all the way to OFSA in basketball, where they finished second. She attended basketball camp where she earned the “Miss Fireball” award.
She attended Rennison College at the University of Waterloo, where she played varsity volleyball. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1981. She made lifelong friends at Waterloo.
After graduation she worked in Toronto at several life insurance companies. She loved the city life, going out with friends, trying new restaurants, and entertaining at her apartment. She also loved wine and fine food, and became a great cook, creating many memorable meals for both family and friends. She was a current affairs junkie, probably watching too much news that drove her crazy sometimes.
She loved sparkly costume jewelry, Calvin & Hobbes, and the warm glow of candles.
About 12 years ago when Mom had a heart attack Susan chose to move home to help. Over these past years she made it possible for Mom to continue to live in her own home. We are all so very grateful for this. They were a great pair, sharing many giggle fits and inside jokes.
Susan was passionate about many things, most importantly family and friends. She had a big heart.
She loved animals, and never met a dog she didn’t fall for, often crossing the street to ask permission to say hello to one. She loved feeding birds, but especially the chipmunks at Mom’s house, many of whom would take peanuts from her hand. And with Mom’s support she took in a young stray cat who showed up on the front porch – a cat that would become “Princess Buttercup Diddly Dinks Willa Boo Boo”. Willa has been a source of entertainment, love and cuddles and captured Susan’s heart.
Susan was all this and so much more. Our hearts are broken, she was too young, and she will be sorely missed by both family and friends. Memorial gifts to The Terry Fox Foundation, for whom she was a dedicated fundraiser since the beginning, even organizing runs at her workplace, or to the animal charity of your choice would be much appreciated.
She is now re-united with her Dad, and they are forever in our hearts.
Sincere and heartfelt condolences. Way too young.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Terry Fox Foundation
It is way too early for Susan to leave us all behind. She was never the first to leave the party when we shared so many wonderful times together in the years before before she moved back to Brighton. She was fun and entertaining and always up for an outing. Very sad that she is gone.
You made our world goround, you led a life of great accomplishment. It is a bummer it ended too soon. You make me feel so fortunate God has blessed you and we miss you
It is unbelievably hard to say good-bye to Susan. I have had the good luck to have known Susan for the last 29 years. As Penny said below, Susan was passionate about many things; consequently we had some heated discussions about all sorts of current events, politics, love and loss. Her love of dogs as mentioned, was beyond belief and her knowledge of breeds was astonishing and she always pointed out dogs whose pedigree I had never heard of. The kitty who came to visit, Willa, was the who captured her love in recent times. Susan was generous, kind and soft hearted; she was bigger than life. I know that she will be missed by all her friends and family and I will certainly miss her and her spirit. Cheers to you, my friend.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Terry Fox Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Terry Fox Foundation
So sad to hear of the too early passing of Susan. She and I were roommates first year at Renison. My first sight was a pair of red boots and I thought oh my they have put me with a fashion girl. I had to laugh. Our first year was filled with great memories and I still look at our pictures from our many adventures on High Hall. She was the best roomie and I know she will be missed by her many friends and acquaintances. Thank you for our supply of apples and the gift of a great first year away from home
Susan and I went to South Cramahe and ENSS together. We played Volleyball and Basketball together at high school level. She was a true competitor but a team player. Her sense of humour is something that will always stay with me, whether on the court or meeting up with her in Brighton spontaneously in the past 10 years. My deepest sympathy to the family with your loss.
My sympathies go out to your family with the passing of Susan . We were classmates both at SouthCramahe and ENSS . She was always a great athlete, a fierce competitor. Also a great classmate . I have many fond memories of her. So sorry for your loss .
I remember coming to the apple farm when I was young with the whole family. There was always pies freshly baked for our visit. Many of them. We would run through the orchard and end up upstairs playing with Susie and listening to music. Always a wonderful time visiting my cousins. I went to one of her games at University with my parents. The Photo is exactly as I remember her. A big smile for everyone. My heart goes out to the whole family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Terry Fox Foundation
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS. SUSAN HAS A PLACE IN MY HEART THAT WILL REMAIN THERE AS LONG AS I LIVE. MY THOUGHTS OF SUSAN ALWAYS BRING A SMILE TO MY FACE AND JOY TO MY HEART. SHE WAS A VERY SPECIAL FRIEND AS WELL AS STUDENT.
I just had to write something when I saw this. Instantly I recognized her photo. I remember Susan from South Cramahe PS. She was 4 years older but as a younger child we tend to look up to the older girls and Susan stood as someone to emulate/admire. She was very attractive. I believe she taught swim lessons at Little Lake Pavilion among the many things you listed. So sorry for your loss.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Terry Fox Foundation
To soon to leave Sue your mom will miss you so. As all of us your friends you will be sadly missed condolences to the family. Bye dear friend!!
So so sad, I have Great Memories of Sue from ENSS. She was always very kind and helpful.A great leader of our teams we played on together. In more resent years I remember her walking by our house around corner from her moms and our dogs ran out to great her,she enjoyed saying hi and was very shocked to see it was me.She showed a great interest in what life was like now with me, Very caring person. Condolences to her family
RIP...thoughts and prayers
My sister Anne O’Sullivan and Sue were great friends throughout their ENSS years, and beyond. I am so very sorry for the family, and pray you are able to find peace and comfort in the days to come. She was one of a kind....
Such heartbreaking news. My deep condolences to Sue’s family and all loved ones left behind.
I would love to write pages about Susan. I adored her. Her spirit. Her laugh. Love of dogs. Love of wine. Love of laughter. She spoke about all of her family so it feels like I know them a wee bit. And she loved them!!! And I ache for all of you at her loss.
Susan was a dear friend who had a heart of gold for family, her friends and all animals and was passionate about many things; sports and politics being her favourites. I will remember the many happy visits sipping wine and gabbing with her and Rita, always welcoming....they finished each other’s sentences....a special mother daughter relationship indeed. Susan never forgot a birthday and always called or sent a card....except this year, on my birthday, on the 20th. Our hearts are broken but we’ll remember her laugh and her kind heart. She will always watch over you Rita and she will always be treasured as a good friend. ❤️ Penny