Suzanne passed away peacefully in Victoria on 30 June 2013, following a brief illness.
She was an amazing wife to Douglas, a loving mother to Julie, René and Zara, and a best friend to many special people. Suzanne was most proud of marrying her soul mate and being a mom to vivacious Julie, tender-hearted René, and exuberant Zara. Our family has been filled with so much love, energy and joy because of them.
Suzanne was grateful for the love, and values she learned from her parents, Pauline Thibault LeVasseur (John -deceased) and Charles-Edouard Renauld (Glenyce) and from her Aunt Gaetane. She dearly loved her siblings and their families, Sylvie and Denis Jeanneault, Louise and Harry de Ruiter, Marc Renauld and Ruth Aitchison, and Monique and Mike Stevens. Whenever we were able to get together with the whole gang, it was always great fun. Suzanne always said that she had “lucked out in the in-law department” as she was embraced by Doug’s parents, Leonard and Diana Tolson, and his sisters and their families, Anne Tolson and David Pugliese, and Karin Tolson and Mark Cornwall.
There will never be enough words to thank Louise and Harry for opening their home in Ottawa to us at every turn, and to Lou for making all of those trips to Victoria to help ease our burden in so many ways.
With the short time she was given, Suzanne lived every moment to the fullest and realized her dream of taking the family to Disneyland, with a lot of help from “Auntie Barb” Findlay.
Special thanks to Dr. Donna Doyle for her incredible care and compassion, to Jacki Kirkwood for magically arranging appointments, and to Doug’s best friend, Dr. Craig Colegrave, for the numerous hours he spent with us every step of the way.
Suzanne’s gift to those who were fortunate enough to know her, was her natural talent for bringing out the best in people, both in her professional life at the National Research Council of Canada and in her personal life.
We love you to the moon and back!
For those who wish to do so, donations may be made to the Victoria Hospice Society or the charity of your choice. At Suzanne’s request there will be a private burial. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Victoria. Condolences may be offered below.
-
Sergey Agapov
-
Alexandra Kubke (Schüler) I am really sorry to hear this sad, sad, sad news! She was so loving, caring and understanding. I was so grateful when I hear, that Sue and Doug were taking care of Julie, Rene & Zara.
I will keep you in my prayers.
-
David Horne Doug
It has been far too many years since we’ve been in touch. My mum told me of your sad news, and I send you and your family my deepest condolences.
-
David Clode Doug,
i was stunned by your loss. My heartfelt condolences. This must be a difficult time and sincerely hope you are well supported. Take care.
-
Tanya Switucka Doug,
I am at a loss for words as I try to offer my warmest thoughts and heart felt concern for your families pain at this time. The children are truly blessed with a father who will nurture them through this experience.
-
Katy Hutchison (Clark) Doug,
I am so sorry to hear of your enormous loss. I have such fond memories of the time we spent with Craig all those years ago at Camosun and the tremendous help you were to my Mum in her garden on Moss Street. I will be holding you and your children in my heart.
-
Cécile Villard Doug, Julie, René, Zara, please accept my deepest condolences. May you cherish the wonderful moments you have shared. Sue, je n’oubierais jamais ton professionalisme, ta bonne humeur et ta douceur. May you be at peace. Tu es dans mes pensées.
-
Helene Jolly-Polstra “What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.” -Helen Keller
The news of Suzanne’s death brings much sadness. We can’t begin to imagine what you are feeling, but let us share our heart-felt condolence.Sid & Helene Polstra
Mr. Tolson and family, I only found out about the passing recently, and would like to offer my heartfelt sympathy.
Sergey Agapov