Susan Madeleine Wald

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Susan Wald, who passed away January 23, 2025 at Nanaimo Regional Hospital. Susan was born on July 25, 1951 to Henry and Helen Buholzer in Berwyn, Alberta. She spent her first few years on the family farm just east of Grimshaw, growing up alongside her older siblings Diane and Bill. The family then moved to Grimshaw where they were joined by younger siblings Janet and Glenn.

Sue attended Grimshaw Public and Holy Family Schools, graduating in 1969. In 1971, Sue married David Wald. Dave’s career took the young couple to Fort McMurray; Mayo, YT; and Yellowknife, NWT. In the tiny hospital in Mayo, Sue and Dave welcomed their sons Chris in 1972 and Cam in 1974. In 1978, Sue and Dave returned to Grimshaw, where they raised their sons amidst their own large, close extended families. Sue worked for the Peace River Health Unit and later the Town of Grimshaw. Countless hours were spent at the local arena throughout the boys’ hockey careers and volunteering with the local Legion branch, seniors’ housing projects, minor hockey and baseball and senior men’s hockey. Sue took a great deal of pleasure in decorating her homes and meticulously maintaining her gorgeous flower beds, baskets and planters. She adored being surrounded by beauty. The greatest joy of her later years in Grimshaw was undoubtedly her role of grandmother to Tommi, Ashton, Jadyn and Hunter.

In 2010, Sue and Dave moved to the gentler climate of Parksville, BC on Vancouver Island. There she took on the challenge of gardening in altogether different conditions, and enjoyed the beaches and forests surrounding her.

Sue was predeceased by her parents: Henry and Helen Buholzer; her parents-in-law, John and Mary Wald; and her brothers-in-law, Don Wald, Doug Wald and Dave Reyda.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband, Dave Wald; sons Chris (Marla) and Cameron (Kaye) Wald; grandchildren Tommi Wald, Ashton Wald, Jaydyn Wald, Hunter Wald, Olivia Cartwright, Mason and Molly Tice; sisters Diane (Bill) Kinderwater and Janet Reyda; brothers Bill (Jeannette Hlavach) and Glenn (Jeanette); and brothers-in-law George (Denise) Wald, Len (Deb) Wald and Mel (Wendy) Wald, sister-in-law Faye Wald and their families.

In due course Sue’s remains will be returned to Grimshaw for interment there, and a Celebration of Life is planned for the summer of 2025.

Donations in memory of Susan Wald may be made to the Town of Grimshaw Kennedy Park, Box 377, Grimshaw, AB, TOH 1W0.