Susan’s life began on February 29, 1960 — a date as special as she was. She loved being a leap year baby and never missed an opportunity to tease us about her “young” age. She passed away at 66 years old but only celebrated 16 actual birthdays.
Susan was born in Etobicoke, Ontario, and as a child, she moved with her parents to British Columbia’s Lower Mainland to be closer to family. Family was always an important part of Susan’s life. She looked up to her older cousins, Steven and Ian, while her younger cousins, Karen and Leanne, looked up to her.
Susan shared more than 30 years with her partner, James Rice, and they spent most of those years making their home and their life together in Kamloops.
Susan was a true friend — kind, caring, generous, and blessed with the biggest heart. She had a way of making people feel welcome and cared for. She was loved by so many who had the privilege of knowing her.
Susan was also an amazing cook. Her delicious meals were enjoyed and remembered by family and friends. She especially loved preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the people around her. Cooking was one of the many ways Susan showed her love for others.
Her positive spirit and remarkable strength carried her through some of the most difficult years of her life. She faced the loss of James after his battle with cancer, and then faced her own cancer diagnosis. Through it all, Susan continued to show the courage, warmth, and positivity that were such a big part of who she was.
Susan’s positive attitude — even through the hardest of times — was inspirational.
Susan will be dearly missed by her family and friends. We will miss her kindness, her laughter, her generous heart, and the many conversations and moments we shared with her.
Although she is no longer with us, the memories we have of Susan are a gift to treasure. The love she gave, the lives she touched, and the memories she created will remain with us always.
