Susan Jane McCulloch

On April 29, 2025 we lost a great woman of grace, talent, beauty and kindness. Susan (Sue) Jane McCulloch née McNeel (b. 1939) died peacefully at home by her husband’s side in the early hours on Tuesday. She has been the love of Rod’s life going on 63 years, beloved mother to Scott (Kris), Neil (Bobbi) and Andrea (Kris), and doting grandmother to Haythem and Sy.

Sue grew up in Ontario the daughter of Dr. Burdett McNeel and Mrs. Barbara (Helen Hilliard) McNeel, older sister to Cony(Dobbin). She developed an early love of the arts, active in music and figure skating from a young age. Experiences at Summer Camp in Algonquin Park and other leadership endeavours contributed to developing Sue’s love for teaching and working with children. At University (UofT Class of ’61) she studied psychology and played hockey and football for Victoria College. She married (Rod McCulloch) and worked as a psychologist for the Toronto School Board until Sue and Rod started their family and eventually moved to Halifax where they raised their three children. Nova Scotia quickly became home for Sue, the constant presence of the ocean she said “nourished her soul”.

Music, always part of her life, became her great passion when she became involved in the Halifax City Schools Music Program the mid 70s. She taught piano, ukulele and bass for 20 years and was never happier than when sharing a love for music - once responding to the question of what makes someone beautiful with “I feel most beautiful when teaching music to children”. In retirement her joy was being part of a musical trio that played weekly a the Soho Kitchen for over a dozen years. In more recent years she continued to share her love of music with her grandchildren, supporting them in their own journey through early-years music classes and beyond.

We are heartbroken by her passing, and immensely grateful and privileged to have had Sue, mom, nana in our lives. She had an enormous impact on the people who knew her, from her infectious laugh, quizzical smirks, and friendly guffaws with family, to her warmth and gentle patience with the students and musical community she inspired. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

A Celebration Life will be planned that reflects her passion for music, her love for family, and her incredible ability to throw a good party. Please select the option to receive updates to this notice to be included on the invite list, and do not hesitate to share this notice with other friends and colleagues who knew our beautiful mother.

Friends, colleagues and family are invited to join us in celebrating Sue’s life. We welcome stories, photos, and memories of Sue to be shared. Please email Andrea at the email address below to confirm your attendance.

Date: Tuesday, September 23rd

Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm

Location: Waegwoltic Club, 6549 Coburg Road, Halifax

RSVP: [email protected]