HEIDEBRECHT, Susie Heidebrecht

Susie went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, November 22, passing peacefully in her sleep at Heidehof Long Term Care Home in St. Catharines. The evening before, she was lovingly surrounded by her family and friends. Together they sang her favorite hymns, read Scripture, and wrapped her in the same love she had poured into others throughout her life. In the days leading up to her passing, many family members and friends visited to say their goodbyes as her health gently declined.

Susie was born in December 1935 in Fernheim, Paraguay, to Peter and Agathe Duerksen. Her early life was shaped by her parents’ remarkable journey after fleeing Russia following the First World War, heading east through China, and eventually settling in the Mennonite Colony of Friesland. Susie grew up surrounded by family, faith, and a deep sense of resilience, qualities she carried with her throughout her life. In 1955, she immigrated to Canada, making St. Catharines her home and the place where her life truly blossomed.

In May 1968, Susie married John Heidebrecht, and together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and faith. They welcomed two sons, William John (1969) and Kevin Peter (1972), who became the joy of Susie’s life. She was the kind of mother who nourished both body and spirit. The doors to her home were always open, the kitchen always warm, and the table always set for one more. Friends, church family, and neighborhood kids all knew that visiting Susie meant good food, gentle encouragement, and a feeling of belonging.

Susie lived a life of purpose and hard work. For many years she sold Lifetime cookware, always with her trademark hospitality and kindness. Her love for children led her to teacher’s college, and in the late 1970s and early 1980s she taught in several settings, including volunteering at the German school at Lakeport on Saturday mornings. In 1984, she began her long and meaningful career as a care nurse at Heidehof. Balancing shift work with raising two energetic boys was no small task, but Susie embraced it wholeheartedly. She cared deeply for the residents she served and took pride in helping train many new nurses. When she retired in November 2000, she left behind a legacy of compassion and steady, faithful service.

After retirement, Susie continued to live fully and joyfully. She loved travelling with her siblings to Europe, across Canada, and throughout South America, taking in the beauty of God’s creation wherever she went. At home, she poured her heart into quilting for MCC, blessing countless families with the warmth of her handiwork. Her faith was at the center of her life; she loved singing and serving within her church family at Scott Street Mennonite Brethren Church.

Susie is now reunited with her beloved husband John “Johnny”, her cherished son William, and her siblings Mary, Elizabeth, Peter, Agatha, and Jakob.

She will be forever loved and remembered by her son Kevin (Juanita); her grandboys Quinn and Damian; her grandchildren Alexandria, Jarret, and Dylan; and their mother Amanda. She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters, Kaethe and Margaret, and by many cousins, nieces, and nephews across the Heidebrecht and Doerksen families. A special mention to her friend, Karen, whom she embraced like her own daughter.

The family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to the nurses and staff at Heidehof Long Term Care Home, who cared for Susie with tenderness during her final months—25 years after she once cared for others in the very same halls. Heartfelt thanks also go to the compassionate team at Tabor Manor for their support earlier in the year.

Susie’s life was defined by love, faith, and quiet strength. She gave generously, welcomed graciously, and lived each day with a servant’s heart. Her legacy of kindness will continue to ripple through the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A celebration of life will be held on November 26th with the burial at the Victoria Lawn Cemetery, St. Catharines, at 9:30 am, and a memorial service at Scott Street Church,  339 Scott Street, St. Catharines, at 11 am, followed by a light luncheon.