Susan Elaine Richards

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Susan Elaine Richards, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her especially her family and those she worked with.

       She was the first daughter to James and Mary Richards. Born on a hot summer morning on July 31st, 1955. She was coined the official "Sault Centennial Baby" by the Kinsmen Club of Sault Ste Marie. Raised in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, she was brought up to be loving and trustworthy. She was a quiet and contented child. People who came to visit often remarked that they would never know that there was an infant in the house.

      As a young girl, Susan was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Susan was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Susan was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. In dealing with any crisis, she always remained very composed, calm and logical. Preferring a quiet environment where she could concentrate, Susan also had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. Susan was raised with 5 siblings. She had one older brother, Darryl, 2 younger sisters, Karen and Teri and 2 younger brothers, Jimmy and Shawn. She was a shy child compared to her siblings. She preferred to stand back and listen then to take the lead in conversations. These are traits she would carry throughout her life. Susan was constantly involved in activities with her family. As a young girl, she loved to dress up and was very fussy about her appearance particularly her long, beautiful hair but she had no problem rough-housing with her siblings and getting into mischief. Susan and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Susan had a good disposition for the challenges of college. She always enjoyed reading, so all of those lengthy required reading assignments seemed to be less of a burden for her. Not all things came easily to Susan, however, and she found success by being a diligent and accurate person who would dig into a project and work through until it reached its completion. She always had to study hard for her marks. She was very thorough and labored long and hard in order to reach her goals. She earned her diploma in Early Childhood Education from Sault College in 1987.

      Susan was an caring and compassionate mother to her daughter. She could handle typical mother-daughter conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Susan was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. In addition, Susan was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she was able to multi task and organize. Susan was blessed with one child, a daughter named Shannon Noelle. They were like two peas in a pod and each other's best friend.

      At work, Susan was always on task. Without hesitation, Susan could adhere to any challenge and see it through to its completion. Her occupation was as an Educational Assistant. She was employed for 25 years with the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board and worked in over a dozen different elementary schools in the course of her career. During that time, Susan excelled in working as a team player and was always on hand to assist others with various tasks. She was able to quickly organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Susan was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. Susan had a true gift for working with special needs children which remained her passion throughout her career. She was much loved and respected by both colleagues and students alike.

      Susan liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Susan choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Susan preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to relax in some of her favorite past times including listening to music, baking and reading. Susan was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her hobbies all by herself and could often be found just reading a good book.

      Doing things to help others seemed to come naturally to Susan. She never set out to gain individual recognition, but the praise and accolades given her for her many and varied efforts throughout her life were well deserved. Some of her most prestigious awards included 25 year service award with the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board which she received in October 2012.

      Susan passed away on March 23, 2013 at Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario surrounded by the people she loved. She is survived by her daughter Shannon and her siblings Darryl, Karen, Teri and Shawn. Services were held at Arthur Funeral Home on March 28, 2013. Susan was laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetary along side her parents and younger brother, Jimmy.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Susan was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Susan was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Susan Richards was very literal with her words. You always knew where you stood with Susan. She will be deeply missed.

RICHARDS, Susan Elaine – (July 31, 1955 – March 23, 2013) Peacefully surrounded by the love of her family at the Sault Area Hospital on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the age of 57. Cherished mother and best friend of Shannon (Mark Dixon). Dear daughter of the late Mary and James Richards. Fondly remembered by her siblings Darryl, Karen (Peter), Teri (Ed), Shawn and the late Jimmy. Special aunt of Jason, Terra, Taysia and Talia. Great aunt of Baeley. Affectionately remembered by many aunts, uncles and cousins. She will be sadly missed by all her colleagues at the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board, especially the staff and students of St. Bernadette’s Elementary School. In respecting Susan’s wishes, a private service will take place. Memorial contributions to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Easter Seals would be greatly appreciated by the family. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com. (Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre 705-759-2522.)

I am not there

Do not stand on my grave and weep

I am a thousand winds that blow

I am the diamond glints in the snow

Do not stand at my grave and cry

I am not there, I did not die.

* * * * * * * * * *

RICHARDS, Susan Elaine – (July 31, 1955 – March 23, 2013) Peacefully surrounded by the love of her family at the Sault Area Hospital on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the age of 57. Cherished mother and best friend of Shannon. Dear daughter of the late Mary and James Richards. Fondly remembered by her siblings Darryl, Karen (Peter), Teri (Ed), Shawn and the late Jimmy. Special aunt of Jason, Terra, Taysia and Talia. Great aunt of Baeley. Affectionately remembered by many aunts, uncles and cousins. She will be sadly missed by all her colleagues at the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board, especially the staff and students of St. Bernadette’s Elementary School. In respecting Susan’s wishes, a private service will take place. Memorial contributions to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Easter Seals would be greatly appreciated by the family. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com. (Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre 705-759-2522.)

I am not there

Do not stand on my grave and weep

I am a thousand winds that blow

I am the diamond glints in the snow

Do not stand at my grave and cry

I am not there, I did not die.