Peacefully passed away at Sault Area Hospital on Monday, November 13, 2023, at the age 69 after a brave, courageous battle with acute myeloid leukaemia.
Loving daughter of Lucille Dunn and the late Frank Dunn.
Survived by Liliane and Gerry Chartrand, Debra Rousselle, Elizabeth Rousselle, Paul and Paula Rousselle, Mark and Terry Rousselle, Keith and Carrie Rousselle, Rose-Marie Rousselle, Alyssa Gosselin, Dylan Rousselle, Drew Rousselle, Cheryl Hamilton, Kelly Hamilton and Aline Rousselle Hamilton and Kenny Hamilton.
She will be fondly remembered by her many dear friends.
Suzanne was born in Blind River on January 23, 1954. She would often share fond memories of growing up in a small Northern Ontario town. Just prior to leaving for her studies at the University of Western Ontario, she relocated with her family to Sault Ste Marie.
After graduating from university, Suzanne returned to Sault Ste Marie in 1976 to look for work. She accepted a short-term contract at Sault College, helping to prepare materials for the new academic year and retired thirty-eight years later. She had a very rewarding career in continuing education and student services. She told many interesting tales about travelling all over the province, and points beyond, while recruiting students and fulfilling her duties as a Cooperative Education Coordinator. For Sue, the students’ needs were her priority. She took the time needed to ensure the students were satisfied. She cared personally about the people with whom she worked. In recognition, she was honoured by receiving the Sault College Staff Excellence Award. She was particularly proud that it had been a group of her students who had nominated her for the award.
Sue loved sports, especially baseball, softball, and hockey. She was a lifelong New York Yankees and Montreal Canadiens fan, and an avid Greyhounds supporter. Her television was inevitably tuned to some sport channel to watch a game; however, Suzanne was most happy attending games in person at many NHL arenas and MLB ballparks with her friends.
Sue was a member of the Western Women’s Varsity hockey team in the early 70’s. She continued to play recreational hockey in the WHL in Sault Ste Marie until being diagnosed with her illness last year. She was a valued teammate and a great source of encouragement for other less experienced players.
Music was very important to Suzanne. She was blessed with a beautiful voice and shared this talent willingly as a former member of St. Gregory’s Church and Sault College’s Convocation Choirs. Many people reminisced about Suzanne’s wonderful singing at their wedding ceremonies. Sue was at her best performing at karaoke; she was a crowd favourite. Perhaps her most memorable performance was when she sang an impromptu a cappella version of “Your Song” on the Grand Ole Opry stage in the original Ryman Auditorium. The tour guide was very impressed.
Suzanne had vast knowledge in a wide variety of subjects. Sometimes referred to as “Sue Trebek”, she was a great asset to any trivia contest team. Sue was fun to be around and a great road trip companion. She always had great stories to tell and funny jokes to share. She will be greatly missed by many.
Thank you to all who cared for Suzanne during her illness. The kindness and compassion provided by staff of Sault Area Hospital, Health Sciences North, Ottawa Hospital General Campus and Maplewood Retirement Ottawa was greatly appreciated.
At Suzanne's request, cremation has taken place, and there will be no service.
Memorial donations may be made to ARCH or the Sault Area Hospital Foundation Cancer Care Fund. (Payable by cheque or online.)
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com. to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St, 705-759-8456.