With profound sadness we announce the passing of Suzanne McKinley of Victoria, BC on the morning of August 6, 2025. Following a stay at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Suzanne left us peacefully with family by her side.
Suzanne was born in 1940 in Duncan, BC as an only child to Catherine Theresa and John Joseph Harness whose roots were in the small mining town of Extension, BC. She grew up on the idyllic shores of Lake Cowichan in the logging town of Youbou, BC where she had a carefree childhood swimming and exploring the natural beauty of the mountainside behind her home.
Suzanne attended Yount Elementary School and graduated from Lake Cowichan Secondary School in 1958. She moved to Vancouver and became a legal receptionist until 1962. She met Neil Borden McKinley in Victoria and as newlyweds in October 1963, left for Germany where Neil was posted to military service with the PPCLI on two peacekeeping missions. It was there, in the tiny town of Balve, where their only child, Karie Ann McKinley, was born in 1964. They returned to Canada in 1967, where Neil began his police career in Edmonton and Suzanne continued her legal receptionist work. Suzanne yearned for a life back on Vancouver Island, and in 1970 they moved to Victoria where she enjoyed her medical office assistant career until her retirement in 2005.
Over the years Suzanne was also fondly known as Sue, Susan, Suzie, Auntie Sue and Mom. She lived her life with style, humour, strength and compassion. She was a devoted mother to Karie, and wherever she lived she made lifelong friends whom she cherished deeply. Sue was passionate about family, nurturing friendships, cooking, gardening, walking, exercising at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre, bowling, reading and volunteering. Always a social person, entertaining family and friends with great food and a smart cocktail was her happy place. Sue and Neil enjoyed travelling locally and abroad to many cruise destinations and on countless family trips with Karie to the beautiful island of Maui.
Predeceased by Neil, her beloved husband of 46 years, as well as cousin-in-law Norm, brother in-law David, sister-in-law Alice, niece Marnie, and nephew Brian. Suzanne is survived by her loving daughter Karie (Lauren); cousin Darlene and her three sons, Brent (Angela) and his sons Lee and Finn, Bruce (Donna) and their son Blake (Gina) and grandchildren Liam and Brynley, and Brad (Julie); cousin Dorothy and cousin Joyce. Suzanne is also survived by Brian’s spouse Namorsh and their three daughters, Aivery, Sophia and Vanessa; niece Sheri (Kelly) and their son Mackenzie; sister-in law Shannon (Jim) and niece Megan (Richard); and niece Candace (Daryl).
We would like to thank all of the staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital for their extraordinary care and support.
A celebration honouring Suzanne’s life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Sunday, September 21st, 2025, at 2:00 pm, followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Suzanne McKinley.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “McKinley” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
-
Kimberly Mazzulli
-
Janet Dusch my thoughts and prayers are with Karie and the rest of the family. I have so many wonderful memories of Sue, she was a wonderful person and will be dearly missed.
-
Karen Derry (Gibson) I have known Sue since I was born in Germany. Sue and my Mom (Sue Gibson) became dear friends, both Karie and I were a couple months old at the baby clinic. Sue, Neil and Karie are a part of my earliest memories and throughout my life and they have always felt like family to us. Sue has been very kind and loving to me and she always had a way of making me feel loved and special. She was a beautiful person, inside and out, and is deeply missed by myself and all of us who were privileged to have known her. We love and miss you Sue
-
Darlene Southwell I worked with Susan at St. Joseph’s Hospital & we both married about the same time. I remember her as a very happy bubbly person who made the work environment a friendlier place. I believe she had an aunt who was a Sister of St. Ann. May she rest in peace.
Darlene Southwell
-
Bev MacLean-Alley Sue, Neil and Karie were lovely social, hard working neighbours. I have fond memories of Sue playing her bagpipe record, at full blast. She loved it and so did I. Sue always had a smilie on her face and was happy to chat. Sue will be deeply missed by many people, especially Karie. Take care, cherish your memories.
-
Jane Christensen Sue is deeply missed. She was like a mother to me and a grandmother to my two girls. My memories of Sue are so vivid and endearing. From going to garage sales with Sue and Neil to watching her do Karie’s hair in those very tight bun things. I love you Sue!❤️
I was so saddened to hear of Mrs. McKinley’s passing. She was a constant presence throughout my childhood, living just around the corner, and I truly can’t remember a time when she wasn’t part of my life. Sue was a close friend of my Mom and Dad, and someone who was always there as I was growing up.
Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I hope you can find comfort in the many memories you share and in the impact she had on the people who knew and loved her.
With deepest sympathy,