COCUZZI, Susan Mae (nee Darlington) - The time has come for us to say our last goodbye to our beloved Susan Mae Cocuzzi (née Darlington), devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend and joy to everyone who knew her.
Susan passed peacefully on the afternoon of February 11th, 2021 in the palliative care unit at Mackenzie Health Hospital in Richmond Hill, Ontario, five days following her 75th birthday.
She was in the company of her son Mathew and passed shortly after a final visit from her husband Dom and son David. At the time of her death, Susan was comfortable and surrounded by love.
Susan was born Susan Mae Darlington in Woodbridge, Ontario in 1946 to parents Dr. Thomas and Laura Darlington, and was little sister to Diane. The Darlington family ran the local veterinary clinic in the days when Woodbridge was mainly farmland and as a child Susan accompanied her father on house calls to the local farms, offering care to animals in need.
As a child, Susan developed a group of tight-knit girlfriends. These would be friendships that would continue throughout her lifetime, and in later years they would affectionately refer to themselves as the 'Golden Girls.’ Susan enjoyed her many trips with the Golden Girls and spending weekends together by the lake in Muskoka.
Susan married her husband Dom on May 5, 1973 after being setup by her friend and colleague Annette, who was also Dom’s sister. They would go on to have three sons: Stephen Andrew, Mathew Thomas, and David Alexander. Susan was also an Aunt to her sister’s children, Stacey and Michael Wilson, and enjoyed visiting her American family at their home in sunny California.
Developing on her childhood skills of caring for animals, Susan went on to build a career as a Registered Nurse, graduating from Ryerson’s nursing program in 1968 and working in various areas of nursing before settling in the Palliative Care unit at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, a job she loved and continued to work in for many years before transitioning to a brief stint in public health nursing and finally retiring in 2011.
In her adult years, Susan hosted and attended many 'Bridge Nights,' playing cards late into the night with a group of avid bridge players. In her retirement, Susan would join the snowbirds heading down to Fort Myers, Florida for the winter months. There she enjoyed spending time on the beach, soaking up the sun, and getting together for evening cocktails with her local group of friends.
Later in life, Susan would be diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, a degenerative condition affecting the lungs, and became the recipient of a lung transplant at the age of 70. A life-saving measure that would add 5 years to Susan’s life.
Susan lived a life of compassion and care for others, and devoted herself selflessly to her family and loved ones. Often known as the life of the party, she enjoyed entertaining and making others feel welcome in her presence. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her.
In honour of Susan, the family asks that you register yourself as an organ donor (beadonor.ca) and discuss your intentions with your loved ones.
Arrangements entrusted with Ward Funeral Home - Woodbridge Chapel.
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