Suzanne Velma Hearn
Suzanne Velma Hearn (née O’Donnell), of Huntsville, ON, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13th at the age of 89 at Huntsville Hospice.
Born in Toronto on November 30th, 1936 to Velma and Neil O’Donnell, Sue lived a life centered on family, kindness, and service to others.
She was a loving Mother to Katherine, Mary Pat, Christopher, Michael, Kevin, and Sean. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sue will be remembered for her wisdom, generosity, kindness, and thoughtfulness. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and cared for.
She loved music. Our house was always filled with music. She played piano and ukulele (As Time Goes By from Casablanca was her favorite song to play).
Our home growing up was always the safe haven for any friends or family who were having troubles in their lives. They knew that Sue would make them welcome and guide them through difficult parts of their journey
Mom was a big proponent of education and constant learning. She lead by example with a B.A. in Psychology, B.A.Sc. in Nursing, and Masters in Education. She also supported her children and grand-children in pursuing their educational and professional goals in every way possible. She was Head Nurse at K-Wing at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, where she cared for Military Veterans.
Service to others inside and outside her community was a thread that ran through many of Sue’s activities, including knitting blankets for children in need in war-torn countries, work as a Public Health Nurse, always sending cards and home-made gifts for birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries. She was happiest when surrounded by her family and friends, and baking Christmas cookies.
She is survived by:
Brother: Neil O’Donnell
Children: Katherine, Mary Pat, Chris, Michael, Kevin, Sean
Grand-Children: Gwendolyn, Kayleigh, Maya, Lauren and Havana
Great-Grand Children: Peter, Bridger and 3rd great-grand-child on the way
Extended Family:
O’Donnell Clan & Williams Clan
She was predeceased by her sister Lorraine.
Sue also is survived by many family and friends too numerous to list here. We know that Mom’s love for you lives on in your hearts and in ours.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date (mid-October in the Huntsville, Ontario area - exact date and venue TBD). Check back here for updates.
The family would like to thank the staff of Granite Ridge, Huntsville Hospital and Huntsville Hospice for their compassionate care and support during the final days of Mom’s earthly journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Huntsville Hospice and/or the Heart Foundation.
Forever loved and forever remembered.