Gently and peacefully, Susan went into the arms of the Lord Sunday, November 20, 2016. Entering the hospital September 27th, she fought an amazingly intense fight with cancer and to the very last moment she gave everything - every day to the Lord. 

 

Sue was born March 23, 1975, at home in Woodhaven (Winnipeg) the youngest of 4 siblings.  In her early years Sue spent many hours a day in a gym pursuing her passion as a rhythmic gymnast at the High Performance Center U of M. This gave her an opportunity to travel and it took her to Namibia, Africa for a time where she coached and helped build the sport from grassroots to becoming the coach for the Namibian National Team including their Olympic hopefuls.  During this time she also ran the first Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa. 

 

A graduate of the University of Manitoba, Sue also lived and worked for a time in British Columbia but came back to Manitoba after a few years. Family life and summers on the Lake of the Woods was too much of a sacrifice to stay away for too long she would say.

 

“Team Sue” was with her for the past 7 weeks and what a blessing it was to have time to laugh and cry together sharing memories and planning for the future.  When Sue realized that medicine had no cure her reply was, “Well, now I’m in the “But God” moment.”  When the doctors had no answers she simply said. ‘But God’ does!”  She inspired all of us and didn’t waver!  

 

Susan was predeceased by her father Dr. Don Connor (1993), and Grandpa Jack and Grandma Ing (Nyhuus)  whom she loved dearly. Celebrating her life but deeply saddened by her sudden departure are: her mom Helen and (bonus Dad) Eddie Toews,  Paul (& Joan) Connor, Bob Connor, Tami Connor and most special best friend Jay Ray.  We are so grateful to Uncle Jim Nyhuus (Oakville) and Uncle Ken Nyhuus (Ottawa) who were wonderfully present to her last days. 

 

The doctors, nurses and staff at the Victoria Hospital are exceptional and we were overwhelmed at times with their care and ‘going the extra mile’.  Thank you. 

 

Our lives are changed forever.  Nothing will ever be the same but we also know that "with God, all things do work together for good" - even our tragedies.

 

Thank you to wonderful friends and family for being part of this journey with us.    We will continue to walk strong because... we are not alone.  You all have showed us the power of community and praying for us at a time when it was so hard to focus at times.  We are so grateful for YOU!

 

A Celebration Service will be held in Sue’s honour will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 25, 2016 at Gateway South Church, 486 Rathgar Avenue.

 

Flowers are gratefully declined. However, memorial contributions made to the Ironwood Equipping and Training Centre via Gateway Church would be sincerely appreciated by the family.