Susan "Sue" Elizabeth HAWKINS (née LOVELL)

July 30, 1949 – May 17, 2025

Susan Hawkins (née Lovell), passed away peacefully at Cambridge Memorial Hospital in her 76th year. Susan was the daughter of Stanley and Rose Lovell (née Duffin) of Galt. She was a cherished sister, aunt, cousin and friend who will be greatly missed. She is survived by her brother Donald Lovell. Susan was predeceased by her brother James Lovell, his wife Beverly Lovell and sister-in-law Sandra Lovell.

Susan was born and raised in Galt. She attended Galt Collegiate Institute graduating in 1968 having majored in business studies. However, a new career pathway was sparked after a summer job at the hospital. To pursue her new dream of becoming a nurse, she returned to GCI for an additional year to complete a biology and chemistry diploma, a prerequisite for nursing school. Susan fulfilled her dream, becoming a full-fledged Registered Nurse, after graduating in 1972 from the South Waterloo Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Galt. She was immediately hired as a Pediatric Nurse working in Galt for two years. In 1974, she spread her wings and left what had now become the Cambridge Memorial Hospital for a job opportunity at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario. She had understood she would be continuing in her chosen field of Pediatrics, but due to a staffing mix-up found she had been hired as a Psychiatric Nurse. Although initially disappointed, she soon found her excellent nursing and communication skills in conjunction with her gifts of patience, compassion and kindness made her a natural when it came to assessing and working with clients battling mental health issues. Psychiatry became her field of expertise and Susan remained at Victoria Hospital, eventually assisting with the staff amalgamation of St. Joseph’s Hospital, University Hospital and Victoria Hospital into the new London Health Sciences Centre. Susan received her 25 Year Service Award from London Health Sciences Centre in 1999 shortly before she retired.

Throughout her life Susan had many interests, enjoying crocheting, euchre and surprisingly a passion for fishing. Fishing played a huge part in the Lovell Family’s summers. She spent many hours being taught the intricacies of fishing by her parents at her Aunt Lil and Uncle Alf’s cottage at Long Point. She made many friends throughout her nursing career and spent happy times visiting with them in London and Goderich. She enjoyed travelling to the East Coast of Canada, Mexico, Las Vegas and a highlight was her trip of a lifetime to Hawaii. An animal lover, she often spoke of her beloved Schnauzer, Chimo who had been an unexpected Christmas surprise. The Toronto Blue Jays were another passion. Everyone knew not to call if there was a Jays game on TV and definitely not to comment if they had a losing streak! Unfortunately, mobility issues forced her early retirement and later limited her social life. However, despite health challenges, she was still able to laugh and find humour in difficult situations. She often had more strength and resilience than she gave herself credit for and this enabled her to soldier on in the face of adversity. We loved and admired her for this.

Susan’s Family would like to express their gratitude to everyone who helped her maintain her sense of independence and remain safely at home. Many thanks to Dr. Tamara Holling and Michelle Hicks with the Palliative & Frail Elder Clinic. The work you do is incredible and made such a difference to Sue’s quality of life. Thank you as well to all the nurses and personal support workers who contributed to Sue’s care. Her family want to acknowledge and thank PSWs Shelima Awadia, Katherine Estor, and Karen Maleka who cared for Sue on a twice daily basis over the years. Ladies, you have gone above and beyond – a big hug and thank you from Sue!

Thank you to the Doctors, Nursing Staff, Physio, Nutrition and Housekeeping on A-Wing at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. The care provided was exceptional and your many kindnesses have meant so much.

In keeping with Susan’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at Trinity Anglican Cemetery, 72 Blenheim Road, Cambridge on Saturday, June 7th at 11:00 am. This will be followed by a reception at the T. Little Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, Cambridge from 12 noon to 2:00 pm. Family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate Susan’s Life.