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SUSAN GRIFFITHS
Date of Passing: Apr 25, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySUSAN GRIFFITHS The much publicized death of Susan Griffiths occurred peacefully on April 25, 2013. In her own careful planning of the event, she wrote the following as her own obituary. "By my own hand, but with the help of a Swiss organization in the beautiful city of Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday, April 25, 2013 I will end my life in a surrounding of love and peace. I will be accompanied by my magnificent family: by my daughter Natasha and two of her six dear children, Emma and Liam, by my son Gareth and his wife Dana, and by my son Alexander and his wife Brigitte. Also with me in Zurich will be my oldest brother Bryan, his wife Anne and their daughter Julia, and dear friend Cindy. Back at home in Winnipeg, my son-in-law Murray, along with my grandsons Myles, Malcolm, Bryn and Gavin give me their loving support. Before going to Zurich I was able to visit with my dear grandchildren Connor, Tayler, Julia, Tristan, Yorick, Lysander and my thoughts are with Vladlislav. I also met with niece Jenny and my life-long friend, Linda, who came from the U.K. With me in spirit were my brother Stewart and his wife Barbara, all of my nieces and nephews as well as my many, many good friends in Winnipeg, across Canada and worldwide. Born in London, England in 1940, with my family I moved to Canada in 1968. I was employed for many years with Manitoba Hydro. I was diagnosed with MSA, Multiple Systems Atrophy, in 2011, and my body slowly deteriorated. There is no known cause or cure of this condition which is why I made this decision to bring a peaceful end to my life. I feel strongly that the CHOICE of death with dignity at a time determined by oneself and with qualified assistance should be available to everyone in Canada. With support from many friends I wrote letters to all Members of Parliament requesting a change in the law to allow for persons in my position to go peacefully. Before travelling to Europe, I participated willingly, and forthrightly, with publicity towards this cause." If friends so desire, support of this cause in Susan's name would be much appreciated. Please contact your local MP, the Prime Minister's office, and your Provincial Members of the Legislature with your request for action to repeal the current law.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 04, 2013
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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I had the honour of advising Susan on the matters of financial planning and I hold the utmost respect for her decision. Together we planned a smooth and simple estate for her family and as with everything she did, she did it with dignity and purpose. You are a courageous womAn and your family is to be commended for their support. RIP Susan you will never be forgotten. - Posted by: Kathy Reimer (Investment Advisor and Friend) on: May 29, 2013
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I had the honor of working with Susan at Manitoba Hydro. She was a classy lady and a pleasure to be around. Her actions to manage her life and her passing are commendable! - Posted by: Dennis Windsor (Co-Worker at Man. Hydro) on: May 10, 2013
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To Susan's family: I knew your Mother as a fun-loving, vivacious, classy lady. I am so sorry she was forced to make this choice but I support her decision. I will be writing to my MP to advance her advocacy that we have the right to die with dignity under all circumstances. - Posted by: Elizabeth Hunt (co-worker at Manitoba Hydro) on: May 08, 2013
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I don't think someone should have to leave their Home, City and Family (Loved ones) at a time when they need support the most. I support Susan's desion, it's just sad that she had to go to another country to do this! Be at peace. - Posted by: W.W () on: May 07, 2013
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RIP Beautiful Woman. I did not know you, but I will remember your legacy and your fight for the "right". - Posted by: Jim Walker (Admirer) on: May 06, 2013
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I truly support this cause because no person or government should ever dictate how we die. Not all of us will have families that support us while coping with pain and suffering. I will write to my member of parliament. I am proud of you and wish you everlasting peace. You will always be remembered. - Posted by: Stuart Meisters (Admirer) on: May 04, 2013
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I did not know Susan and truly admire her for her courage, strength, dignity and grace. She faced death on her terms. Like Susan, I believe that we should all have the right to decide. I would be remise if I didn't say that her family is to be commended for their loving support of her and her end of life decision. - Posted by: Daryl (none) on: May 04, 2013
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Sue was always such a vivacious woman. I was fortunate to have worked with her. I will always remember her riding her bicycle in the long red raincoat, her sense of adventure and her wonderful smile. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Charlene Gladue (Former co-worker) on: May 04, 2013
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My father had MSA, so I know what would have followed as time went on. Susan was brave - Posted by: Maureen (none) on: May 04, 2013
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Susan - I did not know you other than reading your story in the Winnipeg Free Press. I was so touched that I felt compelled to leave a message to your family. I admire your courage and strength and will always support the choice that you made and that this choice should be available to all Canadians. Thank you for sharing your story and may your family wrap their hearts in the love you gave them. When it is my time to leave this world and all hope is gone, I want the courage you had to make my departure on my terms. I will be an advocate to your story and I will write a letter to Parliament. God Bless you Susan. Connie - Posted by: Connie Michael () on: May 04, 2013
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I was one of the privileged Winnipegers (in the 1970's) who knew Susan as a friend and bridge player. I admire her strength and the strength of her family and close friends who made it possible to do what she felt was right. Rest in peace, dear Susan. My kindest thoughts go out to her family. - Posted by: Verma Johnston (Freind) on: May 04, 2013