Susan Jean Buryniuk

With a coffee in one hand and a half-finished pack of cigarettes in the other, Sue Buryniuk left us far too soon at the age of 61 on April 19, 2025, but not before filling the world with laughter, love, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

Born in Fort St. John, British Columbia in 1963, the last (but certainly not the least) of four children, she immediately started stealing the spotlight (and possibly snacks) from her older siblings. From day one, she had a twinkle in her eye, a sharp wit, and a laugh just waiting to echo through every room she’d ever enter. She carried these traits across the country to Sarnia, Ontario in approximately 1975 (approximately because she was the family’s designated keeper of dates, which means we’re all just guessing now).

After college, Sue took her talents up to Whitehorse, landing a role as a "computer operator" for the Yukon government - a title that was vague even then. In 1986, a seemingly ordinary taxi ride changed her life, because she met her future husband, Ron, in the driver's seat. They were married in 1989 in Edmonton, honeymooned there too (because why not?), and then returned to their home in Whitehorse where they welcomed their first child, Darren. Later on, they relocated to Surrey, British Columbia where they brought their second child, Holly, into the mix in 1994, and the family finally settled in Edmonton in 1997 (it was good for the honeymoon, it should be good enough for raising children too, right?).

Sue wore many hats over the years (and not just the themed ones she had for every holiday and occasion): employee, entrepreneur, adventurer, mom, oma (her favourite title by far), and friend to absolutely everyone. In 2012, she and Ron took the plunge into business ownership, proving once again that they were a team in work, love, and life. However, their greatest endeavour and proudest achievement together was their two children, who have grown to embody qualities that they saw exemplified in Sue everyday: kindness, empathy, humour in even the darkest of times, and, above all else, the courage to be unapologetically and authentically true to themselves.

Later on in life, once she discovered that their home and business wouldn’t implode if she took time for herself, she could be found perfecting her golf swing, laughing through a curling game, attempting yoga moves you didn’t know were possible, or sipping coffee while solving the world’s problems (or at least some gossip). All these favourite pastimes had one thing in common: her love for seeing and being with her friends.

Sue was a world traveler with a carry-on full of sunscreen, souvenirs, and probably a snack or two. From the white-sand beaches of the Caribbean to the bustling cafés of Europe and the towering Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, she brought her trademark laugh (boisterous, contagious, and occasionally hysterical) everywhere she went. And if you didn’t hear her laugh first, you definitely heard her cough.

At home, Sue found joy in the small things, especially her garden, her dog Kodi, and finishing puzzles that made everyone else question their sanity. She had an energy that could make anyone feel right at home, and a smile that could light up any room.

Sue is survived by her beloved husband Ron, her children Darren (Stacy) and Holly (Mike), her adoring grandchildren Kalyna and Erik (who could do no wrong, unlike their parents), her three siblings Christie, Patty, and Ken, her cherished mother Carol, and a community of friends who are better for having known her. She is predeceased by her father Hank, whom she missed dearly.

Sue’s life was a masterclass in joy, resilience, and how to make every moment count. She will be deeply missed—but her stories, laughter, and legendary scream sneezes will echo in our hearts forever.

A celebration of Sue’s life will be held on May 5th, 2025 at 11:00 am at Parkland Funeral Services (3502 44 Ave, Stony Plain, AB), and we welcome anyone who would like to revel in the wacky, wonderful life Sue lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sue’s honour can be made to Pancreatic Cancer Canada, an Animal Shelter of your choosing, or your local Food Bank. Alternatively, you can also continue to send flowers, as Holly, like her mother before her, loves flowers.