Susan “Sue” Wood
December 20, 1959 – September 7, 2024
Susan “Sue” Wood, known for her kind, caring, and selfless nature, passed away suddenly on September 7, 2024, at the age of 64 in Dryden, ON. She was born Susan Fairbairn on December 20, 1959, to Betty and John Fairbairn in London, England.
Some of the greatest pleasures in Sue’s life came from caring for others. She started her professional career as a Registered Nurse in 1982 and quickly began working in countries around the world including France, Switzerland, Israel, Ghana, and Canada. During this time she also completed her training to become a Registered Midwife in 1989. Sue was a caregiver without hesitation and never sought recognition for her actions. She dedicated over 40 years to the nursing profession and took a special interest in public health and community nursing care. She formed deep connections with remarkable individuals throughout her journey, including members of the Eagle Lake First Nation community. Her life’s purpose was always driven by providing for others, and after a few attempts at retirement, she knew she couldn’t just sit at home. While continuing to work as a nurse, Sue trained to become a Registered Reflexology Therapist and started up her own practice. She had created the foundation for “retirement” while ensuring that she could still provide for the community. Despite having countless plans for the future, none of which involved slowing down. If Sue had her way, she planned to donate her time to provide reflexology to people living with special needs and in palliative care.
In Sue’s personal life, things were no different. In 1989 she came to Canada to work for Health Canada. This allowed her to work in the communities of Wunnumin Lake, Deer Lake, Big Trout Lake, and Fort Severn First Nation. It wasn’t unusual for people to wonder what would bring a young woman from London to Northern Ontario; the answer was quite simple: polar bears. Little did she know during that time she would make quite the impression on a pilot from Dryden. She didn’t make it easy for him, but Brent was able to win her over. By the summer of 1993, Brent and Sue were happily married. In the following years, they joyfully welcomed their three children. Sue was a natural when it came to being a mother. Her children were raised with immeasurable amounts of love and care, and whether they liked it or not, Michael Jackson music. There were no limits when it came to someone’s birthday, Christmas, or any occasion for that matter. Sue would move heaven and earth to create memories for her family. Although devastated by the loss of their wife and mother, Sue’s family will always cherish the memories they made together.
While Sue took immense pleasure in creating her second home in Canada, she deeply treasured her roots in the UK. Any opportunity to spend time with her family and friends back home was beyond priceless – or as Sue would say “better than gold dust”. She was proud when she became a Canadian citizen, but wouldn’t hesitate to remind you that she was a Brit through and through.
Sue is survived in Canada by her husband of 31 years, Brent, her children Tyler, Matthew, and Sarah, her mother/father-in-law Bonnie and Carl, sisters-in-law Sheila (Greg), and Janice (Jeff), brother-in-law Terry (Lorna) and numerous nieces and nephews. She is survived in the UK by her siblings David and Ann (Roger), nephews James (Kay) and Alex (Angela), and her niece Katie (Fredi). We also recognize the many precious friendships which she often referred to like her family. Some of these friendships include Chris (Tony), Jane, Donna, Madeleine, and Kim. She was predeceased by her parents John and Betty, her brother Christopher, and her sister-in-law Bridget.
A funeral service will be held at the Dryden Community Funeral Home on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 11:00 am with Marcel Penner officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sue’s memory to DRHC Palliative Care on the DRHC website or by mail- P.O. Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6.
Sue’s family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the efforts of all first responders and members of DRHC who responded to help on September 7, 2024.
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca
Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3.
