Susan Leah Nelson

Susan is survived by her loving husband, Shane, her daughters, Candice & Chelsea, her "sons", Brandon & Trevor, her three granddaughters, Riley, Teagan, and Blake, and her one grandson, Liam.

Along with her mom, Myrna, her siblings: Tam (Kath), Patti (Gary), Barbara, and Michael (Susanna), Candice & Chelsea's dad, Jim, and all of her nieces, nephews, and their children. She was predeceased by her beloved dad, William "Bill" Epp.

Susan was born in Matsqui, BC, on September 19, 1959. She grew up in the Abbotsford area, where she enjoyed long distance running, skiing, and riding her horse, Sandy. She graduated from Abby Senior in 1977, where she met her former spouse, Jim. They were blessed with two daughters, Candice & Chelsea.

In 1991, they moved to 100 Mile House where Susan began her career as a Pharmacy Technician at Donex Pharmacy.

In 2004, Susan met her love, Shane. They moved to Vancouver Island later that year and realized the island was where they were meant to be. She enjoyed living in Parksville and being a part of the community, working at Pharmasave until she retired in 2014.

Susan loved to travel; her favourite places to visit were the Hawaiian Islands (especially Kauai) and Italy. She had an eye for interior design and was able to make all spaces beautiful. She loved entertaining and was the best host, making sure there was good music, cold drinks, and an incredible meal (usually a Tieghan Gerard recipe- her favourite). She loved music and would make a playlist for each family member’s birthday, with songs they liked or reminded her of them. All of her best days were spent with her family; boating to the Gulf Islands for beach days, kayaking, watching the Blue Jays with Shane, shopping in Victoria with Candice, Chelsea, and Riley, concerts, hockey games, dinners & backyard visits. She loved to shop and would spoil everyone she loved and/or appreciated in her life with her thoughtful gifts & always a card with her beautiful writing.

She had many hobbies & interests over the years, but her favourite thing in the world, aside from being a Mom, was being "Mama" to her four grandchildren, "her babies”. She had a special bond with each of them and loved having them over for sleepovers any chance she got. She would thoughtfully plan out each weekend with playground & beach visits, crafting, baking, popcorn & movie nights, hot chocolate mornings, and usually a stop at Toys R Us. Not a single minute was wasted with Mama and her babies. Her love was unconditional, and she made sure they always knew that. When she was around them, she would join their world. Whatever was important to them, was important to her. She made them feel important, understood, and always loved. Mama was their person.

Riley "Lemon" will miss their conversations about art, travel, and fashion. Also, Mama's ability to find the beauty in everything and everyone.

Teagan "Teagy" will miss 'Book Club' with Mama- picking out a new book at Chapters then spending the weekend reading it together, laughing until their stomachs hurt.

Liam "her boy" or "Liam Jack James Susan" will miss the quiet morning visits with just him & Mama, before anyone else would wake up.

Blake "Roo" will miss Mama’s Halloween themed sleepovers and playing with Play-Doh together.

We would like to thank her favourite nurses at Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit, Deborah, Shaye, and Sarah, for brightening her final days with their outstanding care & support. She could feel your love and so could we. We are forever grateful.

We will carry your love with us, forever & always, our beautiful Mama…

"If it all falls apart, I will know deep in my heart

The only dream that mattered had come true.

In this life, I was loved by you.”