Sue left us too early on Sunday March 11 2012 and after only 59 years, giving up her beloved family and her worldly passions; skiing, gardening, golfing, painting, boating, music and her work with the BC Cancer Agency.
After a challenging and brave fight with brain cancer, her husband Kerry of 32 years, her mother Mona, her brothers Bill, Paul, Brian and Don and her close friend Carmen were with her in the Palliative Care Unit of Vancouver General Hospital, traveling with her to this life’s end and her next beginning. As the first of five, Sue was always the leader of the “pack” whom she ceaselessly and lovingly guided. Kerry joined her “pack” over thirty years ago and their love was a beacon to all.
Sue was born in Ottawa and raised in Toronto where she graduated with honours from the Toronto Institute of Medical Technology. When the mountains of BC beckoned, she moved with Kerry to Vancouver in August 1980. In November 1983, Sue completed her Commerce degree with honours at UBC.
She had a successful career in the healthcare industry, and in particular is remembered by her colleagues at Ortho Biotech/Janssen Ortho as a highly valued and trusted member of the team. Sue felt fortunate to be a key member in the introduction of important new therapies and always brought all her passion and commitment to the task at hand. After twenty plus years, Sue “retired” from the industry and brought her experience and energy to the BC Cancer Agency as a “part-time” consultant to a number of the tumour working groups.
Sue will also be remembered for her determination to excel at everything she did, skiing, gardening, golfing and much more. Sue was a highly accomplished world-travelled skier, but she loved nothing better than to head up to her beloved Whistler, strap on “skins” and ski off into the backcountry. The UBC Gardens was another of her passions and she was instrumental in raising funds for them through the annual sale of plants and apples.
Sue will be missed by all who knew her and her zeal for life. Donations can be made in Sue’s memory to Brain Care at BC Cancer Foundation, 150-686 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1J1, or can be made online at www.bccancerfoundation.com
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Cecil Green Park House, on Sunday, April 22, 2012, from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. Please RSVP by April 13, 2012 with number of guests attending to Carmen Ramirez at:carmenramirez@shaw.ca