Susan Kuechler

Susan was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, to Douglas Nash and Kathleen (Kay) Bawden, the second of three children. She developed an early love for horses and spent many happy years riding along the country roads of Oak Ridges, Ontario, where she grew up.

On October 16, 1965, Susan married Hans Kuechler and together they moved to Acton where they raised two sons. When the boys were young, the family lived in Lakeview on Elmore Drive, forming many cherished friendships, including a close bond with Bill and Jackie Yundt. When the Yundts later relocated to their country home on Highway 25 near Speyside, Susan and Hans followed, settling in right next door. Decades of shared laughter, shenanigans, and deep friendship followed. In 2020, Susan and Hans returned to Lakeview to spend their remaining years together on Elizabeth Drive.

Susan affectionately nicknamed her husband “Poops,” a name quickly embraced by friends and family alike. With good humor, she became known as “Mrs. Poops,” a reflection of the warmth, laughter, and easy affection that defined their marriage and brought smiles to everyone around them.

During their years in Speyside, Susan wholeheartedly devoted her life to her family. She enjoyed the companionship of Tony the Pony and raised countless cats and dogs, with her favourites being the Irish Setters. Susan was an extraordinary cook who somehow always managed to feed anyone who happened to stop by, whether four guests or ten or more. Her door was always open, and an extra plate was always waiting. Hospitality came naturally to her, and everyone who visited felt welcomed and cared for.

Susan gave tirelessly to her community through decades of volunteer service. Together with Hans, she dedicated countless hours to the Acton Agricultural Society and the Acton Fall Fair. She became especially well known for preparing hundreds of pounds of sliced beef for the Fair’s beloved “beef-on-a-bun” fundraising booth – a signature sandwich everyone recognized and still remembers. In later years, right up until this past year’s Fair in 2025, Susan continued to nourish the Fair’s countless volunteers by preparing meals to ensure they were well fed while bringing the Fair to life each year. Planning menus and spending long hours in the kitchen gave her great purpose, and her contributions were invaluable to the community she loved. In 2005, both she and Hans were awarded the Ontario Volunteer Service Award for 25 years of service with the Acton Agricultural Society.

Susan was also an active member of the Acton Salvation Army church, leading the Christmas hamper program for many years to ensure that some 200 local families had food parcels and toys in time for the holidays each year. She also frequently cooked vast amounts of food for church events, and especially loved preparing cookies for the children to decorate. Her baking was legendary and she shared it liberally with local offices, Hans’s workplace, and many lucky friends and family.

Susan also served for many years as a rural canvasser for the Canadian Cancer Society. If someone needed transportation to an appointment or treatment, Susan was already on the way. Whatever was required, she offered her help without hesitation. For more than 30 years, she volunteered at Maplehurst Correctional Facility, leading small group support sessions. Through her quiet dedication, she demonstrated what it truly means to give back and serve others with compassion. In 2012, she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal which was presented to Canadians who made significant contributions and achievements to the country.

Above all else, Susan was exceptionally proud of being a grandmother. Her heart was fullest when watching her grandchildren at dance recitals, theatre productions, and sporting events, delighting in their potential and cheering their accomplishments. She always came with gifts and kept full bowls of candy on her counter for their visits.

Susan’s life was a reflection of her deep faith and her commitment to serving others. She lived with compassion, generosity, and quiet devotion. She will be remembered for her generosity, tireless service, and the way she made everyone feel welcome and well cared for. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her kindness, her cooking, and her unwavering commitment to family and community. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Susan is survived by her sons, Peter (Maria) of Michigan and Brian (Keri) of Acton; her grandchildren, Emma, Matthew, Nathan, and Jacob; her brother, Gordon (Judy) Nash of Maine; her sister, Judy Hoffmann of Aurora, ON; her brother-in-law, Michael of Pfefferlaw, ON; her sister-in-law, Gabriella (Rick) Dell of Tiny, ON; and, many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her sweet little canine companion, Hannah, who brought her so much joy.

Susan is preceded in death by her husband, Hans, her parents, her niece Kate, and her great-niece Lucy.

Susan’s family is sincerely grateful for the exceptional and attentive care provided by Christine Andrewes, Personal Support Worker at Care Connection, the various caregivers from Ontario Health at Home, and all the first responders who provided their exceptional expertise.

For those so inclined, donations to the Acton Salvation Army or any dog rescue of your choice are very much appreciated. The family looks forward to sharing memories and celebrating Susan’s life. Saturday, June 13, 2026.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 12 - 1 pm at the Salvation Army, located at 114 Mill St. E Acton. Following the visitation, a Memorial Service will take place at the same venue at 1pm