Susannah Powers Hines

Beloved through her life, family and friends knew her as Susan (or Sue), the youngest daughter in William and Sarah Bilton’s family of 8 children. She was born on December 4, 1925 in New Herrington, County Durham, England. Her siblings were Frederick, William, Sally, Violet, Joseph, Amelia, and Albert – Susan being the 2nd youngest. The family had a loving home, Father always with a greenhouse for fresh vegetables, keeping shoes in good repair, and chest plasters ready for the first sign of a cough, and Mother caring for them all and singing. Susan felt blessed by her family and was best friends while growing up with her sister Amelia (Pam), just one year older.

During WWII, Susan fell in love with and married American serviceman and then contractor Dick Powers. They moved to Hollywood, Florida and had three beautiful children: Richard, Sylvia and Billy. The family were avid baseball enthusiasts. Susan became an accomplished dental assistant, first in Florida, then in Hollywood, California, often caring for film stars. It was there she married her second husband, engineer Bernie Hines.

Siblings Pam, then later Albert, had emigrated to Vancouver, Pam marrying a Canadian in the RCAF. Susan’s daughter Sylvia also moved to Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay), and after retirement, Susan joined her to live in the duplex Sylvia (Jim ) had prepared for her mom. Sons Richard and Billy, then both veterans, remained in the US, but visited.

Susan enjoyed living in beautiful Horseshoe Bay until going into care in West Vancouver in 2012. While in care, she was known for her wit, humour and love of fashion, excited even during her last week to have her manicure in red. She lived bravely with the sadness of loosing all her immediate family in the last 20 years.

Pam’s daughter Donna (Dale) lived close for visiting and supporting her love of fashion. Susan has other family in the UK and Vancouver, including nieces Violet (John), Sheila (Cliff), Patricia (Mick), Susan (Steve), Irene (George). Our auntie was the last of our family’s greatest generation -- the last child of our dear Grandma and Grandad Bilton. She will be deeply missed.

The family cannot adequately express thanks for the amazing care provided by staff, first at Capilano Care, then at Inglewood Care. The staff looked after her every care, comfort, and wish with gentleness and respect. We always felt she was surrounded by friends, fun, and love while in care. She loved you guys. Thank you, each one of you over many years, including but not limited to Ludi, Roland, Sam, Milan, Rosa, Joveth, Joy, Nahid, Chris, and Dr. Sebba. You have all been a wonderful blessing.

In Auntie Sue’s frequent words, “Love and Blessings.”