Susan Joy Paterson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Susan Paterson, who left this world on November 3rd, a short time after the loss of her beloved husband, William Paterson. A devoted mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and teacher, Susan was a kind, strong, and warm presence for everyone she knew. Together, Susan and Will created a wonderful life. Their cherished daughters, Jane and Claire, are surrounded with love and held closely by dear family, friends and neighbours. 

Susan was born in Montreal, Quebec, to Kathleen (née Richardson) and William Enright. Her early childhood years were spent in Otterburn Park and St Bruno with her sisters, Alison and Janice. They shared fond memories of going swimming, skating, ballet, piano lessons and choir. After moving to Burlington, Ontario, Susan attended Rolling Meadows Middle School and M. M. Robinson Secondary School. Susan pursued her love of books and learning at Queen's University, studying English, graduating in 1995 with a degree in Concurrent Education. At university, Susan discovered Camp Outlook, a volunteer-run charity providing free canoe trips for teenagers. Susan's summers volunteering as a Canoe Trip Leader left her with many great memories and a new appreciation for the wilderness, preparing her well for her first teaching position in Kasabonika Lake First Nation. In this remote northern Ontario community she met Will. A shared passion for teaching, a love of nature, and a sense of adventure was the foundation of their partnership. Susan's teaching career continued in Mississauga and Brampton as a Special Education teacher at David Leeder Middle School and Ridgeview Public School. Recently Susan began teaching Kindergarten, a change that suited her as she truly valued nurturing curiosity and creativity in children. 

Outside of teaching, Susan was a member of a local book club, loved to cross-country ski with Will, ran dozens of half and full marathons, and pursued a second career as a Production Assistant in the film industry for when she retired from teaching. Summers were spent at the cottage in Dyers Bay, or on family adventures to British Columbia, San Francisco, and on home exchanges to Europe. 

She was patient, thoughtful, and boundlessly loving, and was truly the best mum and wife to ever exist. Susan will be deeply missed by her family, friends, school community, and all who were fortunate to know and love her. 

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes support for Camp Outlook in Kingston.

Click Here to Donate to Camp Outlook