Susan Elizabeth Bolton

Susan was born on March 27,1944 in Moncton NB to parents Donald and Phyllis Bolton (nee Dignan).

Following her graduation from Mount Saint Vincent Academy in 1962, Susan graduated from Dalhousie University with Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University.

Susan dedicated her career to education, serving as a biology teacher, Science Department Head, Vice-Principal and Acting Principal at J.L. Ilsley High School from 1971 until her retirement in 2002. She took pride in her leadership roles, especially as Science Department Head, Vice-Principal and Acting Principal and enjoyed supporting both students and colleagues. Deeply committed to her students and fellow colleagues, she inspired curiosity through classroom teaching, science fairs, field trips and model parliament. Sue was deeply respected by colleagues and beloved by students for her warmth and dedication, mentoring and making every student feel valued. Her contributions included leading robotics competitions, presiding over the Science Teachers Association and editing high school biology textbooks. Her legacy endures in the lives she influenced and mentored, and the generations of learners on whom she left an imprint and who carry her lessons forward.

Susan actively served her community, volunteering with Symphony Nova Scotia as Board Secretary, Symphony Boutique Coordinator, and concert greeter. At Bethany United, she played in the Handbell Choir and at symposiums, served on multiple committees including chair of the Board of Trustees, member of the Board of Managers, Executive Board, Session, Co-coordinator of the Fall Fair for 10 years and prepared meals for St. Andrew’s United Church Sunday Suppers.

Susan lived life fully, enjoying cross-country skiing, golfing, and synchronized swimming, a sport she took up at age 70 and for which she was very much an inspiration to her younger synchro classmates. Sue was a voracious reader on many subjects and enjoyed book club reading and daily puzzles/cryptoquotes. She was an audiophile with a large classical music collection and an impressive stereo system.

Sue was a dedicated member of Beta Sigma Phi for 58 years, having joined in November 1967. She belonged to Alpha Master Chapter and was a lifetime member with dues paid for life. She received the Order of the Rose in December 1982 for outstanding service and achieved the Torch Bearer Degree, the highest level of recognition in the Sorority. In 2017, Sue served as Social Committee Chair for Halifax City Council of Beta Sigma Phi, overseeing Christmas events, food, outreach programs, and organizing sing-alongs and contributions from attendees.

She enjoyed volunteering with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to test lake and river water each summer. From the time she was a child, she also cherished annual trips to the family cottage at Parlee Beach, where neighbours felt like family.

Sue was known for her loyalty, willingness to help others and involvement in her community. She contributed to family and community life and demonstrated qualities such as generosity, caring, perseverance along with a great sense of humour. She impacted those around her through her actions. As a keen baker, Sue felt her chocolate chip cookies were a cure-all for any situation and were always well received.

Susan had a large network of friends with whom she was devoted and loyal. She was incredibly supportive, kindhearted, fun loving and adventurous. She brought fun and happiness to all those around her. Sue led a life that was both meaningful and cherished, leaving us with a wealth of fond memories to reflect upon.

Family was of utmost importance to Sue. Her greatest source of pride was her role in the lives of her nieces, nephews and Mont’s family; she loved all of them immensely.

Susan will be lovingly remembered by her partner, Raymond 'Mont' Shave; sisters Harriet King and Jane Morrison (Jamie); brother Michael Bolton (Debbi); nieces Alison King (Robert McDonald), Patti King (Peter O’Hagan), Sarah Bishop (Karen), Michaela Hall (Reuben) and India White (Jason); nephews Adam Bolton (Heidi) and MacGregor Morrison (Kate); great-nieces Annika and Alexandra Hall, and Madison MacDonald; great-nephews Nolan Johnson and James Morrison; Mont’s daughter Heather Fitzpatrick (John); his grandchildren Laura Fitzpatrick (Louis Westergard), Jennifer and Andrew (Emma Hackett), and great-grandchildren Sophia and Oliver Westergard; numerous cousins; and her long-time sorority sister, Jean Milsom.

Sue was predeceased by her parents Don and Phyllis (Dignan) Bolton, her former spouse, Dale Harrigan, her brother-in-law John King, and two lifelong friends Belle (Clayton) Watkins and Linda (Carnell) Swinwood.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all those who provided comfort and care to Sue. Special thanks are extended to her private nurses: Rency, Angel, Demi, Lovely, Lily, Leah and Vienna; to the Palliative Care team—nurse Monica Flinn and Dr. Laura Moeller; Dr. Jeremy Smith; and Dr. Daniel Rayson and his nurse Meghan, as well as Dr. Jarrar. The family also acknowledges the many hospitalists and the dedicated nursing staff in unit 8.1 of the Halifax Infirmary site for their exceptional care, and appreciates the companionship of Sue’s hospital roommate, Carolyn Edwards.

A private family committal service to take place. A Celebration of Susan’s life will be held on Saturday, September 27th at 1p.m. at Bethany United Church on 7171 Clinton Avenue (off Joseph Howe Dr) with reception following in the church hall. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream will be available at https://youtube.com/live/8tKRZHwUSWw

Donations in Susan’s memory may be made to Bethany United Church www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca/donate-now or a charity of your choice. Family flowers only.

Susan will be forever remembered with love, gratitude, and deep affection.

“May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent one another.” Genesis 31:49