Susan Mae Elliott

Susan was the love of Terry Donaghue’s life, as he was of hers. They met and fell in love in high school and were together for over forty years. She was a devoted mother to her daughter Irja, whom she loved endlessly and shared with glowing pride in her passion for science and learning. She was the cherished mother-in-law of Yey Eun, whom she heartily welcomed to her family from the first time they met and became Yey Eun's only family in Canada.

Susan was the beloved big sister of Elizabeth, Cheryl, Emily and Ron, who all admired and looked up to her as the “leader” of the siblings. She was the adored Auntie Susie to her many nieces and nephews, and much loved by her mother-in-law Irja Donaghue and sister-in-law Kathy Donaghue. Susan was a dedicated and loyal friend to all who knew her. She was predeceased by her parents, Ron and Emily Elliott, whom she loved dearly.

Always industrious, Susan got her first real ‘job’ at the age of eleven, picking strawberries for the summer. She confessed with a giggle to her younger sibs after a day’s work that she often ate more strawberries than she picked. Her generosity and selfless nature was lifelong - Sue spent the money she earned that summer not on herself, but buying presents for her little sisters that they have kept to this day.

As a beautiful young woman in the 1960’s, with long, flowing red hair, a free spirit and a gentle soul, Susan embodied the peace and love of her generation. She and her best friend, Jennifer, sang the songs of the era to rapt audiences in their hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, faithfully accompanied by Terry on banjo.

In her first year at Queen’s University, Sue was introduced to the feminist movement and became a lifelong advocate of women’s rights, with her younger sisters being among the first she educated and inspired. Her advocacy for equal rights eventually led her to become the respected editor of a health magazine for women.

Throughout her life, Susan was unwaveringly strong, steadfast and determined no matter what obstacles she faced, with a cheerful disposition and witty sense of humour. She was equally skilled at being both a compassionate listener and an articulate conversationalist. A genuine lover of books, Sue read voraciously, always with a cup of her favourite iced coffee to hand.

Susan was a talented craftsperson with an unparalleled eye for colour. She showed her love for others through her work, and gifted beautiful quilts and needlepoint cushions to her family and friends that will be treasured forever.

Though we had to say goodbye too soon, we know that Sue will be missed always, but never forgotten. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Susan’s life on Sunday April 29, 2018 from 2:00 to 5:00pm at Miller Lash House in Toronto. Guests may RSVP to Terry ([email protected]).

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Arthritis Society, the Kidney Foundation of Canada or the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Susan’s name would be greatly appreciated by her family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.giffenmackscarborough.com for the Elliott family.