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SUSAN ELIZABETH DEANE
Date of Passing: Sep 02, 2014
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SUSAN ELIZABETH DEANE Peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, Susan (Susie) Deane passed away at Victoria General Hospital on September 2, 2014. Susie was dearly loved by her husband Lawrie, daughters Sarra and Leah, son-in-law Jose, mother-in-law Freda, sister Rosamma and brother Joel, nieces and nephews, and especially by her grandson Kushaal. Susie and Lawrie were married in India, and Sarra was born there. They spent six years in India working with troubled young people and with urban impoverished people in New Delhi. After coming to Canada in 1984, Susan made many wonderful friends and made many lasting contributions to Winnipeg's community. She worked initially with the disability community at the Manitoba League for Persons with Disabilities and then with the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba. In 1999, Susan became Special Advisor to the Minister of Family Services in the Government of Manitoba. Later she was Manager of University Relations with the Council on Post Secondary Education (COPSE). Susan served on the Board of the Assiniboine Credit Union for 12 years and was Chair of the Board during a significant merger. By far, her most cherished achievement was as Principal and CEO of the International College of Manitoba. Susan's devotion to quality education for international students, and her gifts as an administrator, saw ICM grow from 33 students in 2009 to over 1000 per year currently. The many graduates who have successfully adapted to the Canadian education system and culture are a testimony to the personal support and the high quality of education that students receive at the College. Susie will be very sadly missed by family, friends, the university community, government staff, and many in social services in Winnipeg. A memorial service will be held at St. Margaret's Anglican Church, 160 Ethelbert St., on Saturday, September 6, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the church. Her family would like to thank the staff at Victoria General Hospital for their exceptional and dedicated care. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Abraham and Mary Mathai University Entrance Scholarship at the University of Manitoba (for international students who have made the most progress in their first year at the international College of Manitoba). Alternatively, donations may be made to the Victoria General Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice. Condolences can be sent to condolences@nbardal.mb.ca NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 06, 2014
Condolences & Memories (42 entries)
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I recently had the pleasure of visiting our colleagues at ICM; unfortunately I never got the pleasure of meeting Susan. Her family and friends can walk with heads held high safe in the knowledge that the legacy she left at the College will endure. Everyone I met at the College spoke of Susan with a smile on their faces and a glint of love in their eyes. She must have been a very, very special lady. - Posted by: Martin Kain (Colleague from Perth, Western Australia) on: Dec 04, 2014
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So sad hear this news,May her soul rest in peace - Posted by: Sheng Ziyu (Student) on: Oct 10, 2014
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Susan Deane amazed me. Not only did she always know how to fix whatever the problem was (or who to talk to to get it done), she still recognized me after several years of having not taught with ICM and would have something nice to say in the halls. I suspect that her open door and leadership will be missed on campus. - Posted by: Sarrah Vakili (Past ICM Instructor) on: Sep 17, 2014
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Susie is a very special soul and, although I was unable to get to know her well, I feel her absence and sad departure very much. My fondest love and heartfelt wishes go to her family. Her departure is another reminder of how important it is to live life fully and take full advantage of each day and the opportunities we have to share our lives with others. - Posted by: Frances Keogh (Lawrie's cousin) on: Sep 16, 2014
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Susan, you made my students welcome and took care of them, you will be missed. May our Lord keep you in His grace. - Posted by: Rubeena (colleague) on: Sep 12, 2014
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Hearing about your loss has deeply saddened me. Words can't even begin to express how saddened we are. However, it was an honor to have known such a great person like you. I couldn't have asked for a better supporter. I will surely miss the presence of your truly loveable and kind personality. My hearts, thoughts and prayers are always with you and your family. May God give you eternal rest and may your soul rest in peace, Mrs. Susan Dean. - Posted by: Olivia Wijaya (Student, ICM ALUMNI) on: Sep 11, 2014
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I met Susan and Lawrie many years ago when we lived in the same neighbourhood and also ran into her not too long ago. She was always the same; warm, engaging, wonderful and lovely. So so sorry to read about her passing. - Posted by: Manjit Jhinger (Former neighbour) on: Sep 11, 2014
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Dear Lawrie and family: Susie was a person you could never forget once you met her - for her luminous smile, genuine warmth, caring and grace. May you find comfort in rich memories and knowing she made the world a kinder, more just place for all. We are so deeply sorry for the loss of this fine woman. - Posted by: Sari and Neil Tudiver (friends) on: Sep 10, 2014
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May her soul rest in peace! She was a very generous individual! - Posted by: NoorUllah Raja () on: Sep 09, 2014
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So sad to hear this news. I knew Susie in Amsterdam many years ago...she was a shining light then. Reading the stories, it seems that she grew more beautiful and caring as the years have gone by. Lawrie, what a deep loss for you and the family. Love from Los Angeles. - Posted by: Jude Tiersma Watson (Friend) on: Sep 09, 2014
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I am so saddened to hear of Susan's passing. She was such a bright light. My condolences to Laurie and the family. - Posted by: Victor Dobchuk (aquaintance) on: Sep 07, 2014
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Lawrie and family, I was sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. - Posted by: Donna Goodman () on: Sep 07, 2014
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Susan was a kind hearted woman and would do anything it took to assist her students towards achieving their goals. The college has lost a gem, but heaven has gained an angel. Susan will be missed. Rest well! - Posted by: mira (student) on: Sep 06, 2014
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Dear Lawrie, Sarra and Leah I can't tell you how sad I am to hear about Susan's passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family, Lawrie. I was lucky to get to know Susan when she was working at the Leg and I know she will be missed and loved by people who know her and how wonderful she was. I hope special memories give you and your family strength at this difficult time. Take care, Vann Nguyen - Posted by: Vann Nguyen (WEC's student) on: Sep 06, 2014
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During my first week at ICM I went to the ICM offices to see a student adviser because I was worried I was taking on too much course load. While I waited this really beautiful woman walked in, genuinely smiled at me (like her entire face face lit up) and asked me if she could help me. After talking to her all self-doubt was gone and I remember walking away that day feeling so empowered, brilliant and determined. Susan made me feel this way and no one in Canada by far has made me so good about myself like that. She empowered me and I only hope I can keep her legacy alive by extending the same kindness and trust she showered every student with (literally EVERY student). I am so honoured and grateful for the impact she had on my life with the few minutes I ever talked to her. I am still in shock over her passing. Her warm and great presence will be terribly missed. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Rest in everlasting peace phenomenal woman. - Posted by: Catherine K Batamuriza (Student) on: Sep 06, 2014
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To the one woman, who simplified my college experience,through my toughest time, your consoling wisdom brought me better days. Being around you was a gift in its own. I know you’re off to better place,so with this few words I am give my last dew respect and celebrate the life you lived; also to stand as a motif appreciating the memories you left behind. Deepest condolences to your family. - Posted by: Orighomisan Adokpaye (Dean Of ICM (Student)) on: Sep 06, 2014
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I am so sad to hear Susan's sudden passing. She is a wonderful person and always has a good attitude to students. When I went to her office to confide my troubles about class and friend, she always answered, advised, encouraged me. I also watched that other students come to you and ask many things. You have an open mind and are trusted. Thank you so much for supporting. I am really appreciated. May her soul rest in peace. - Posted by: Atsushi Mori (Student) on: Sep 06, 2014
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I was shocked to get news about the person I honored most and consider as close as a mother to a child. She was not only a true teacher and supporter but a good guider. She will always stay alive in our hearts remembered and will never be forgotten. I would like to give out my condolences to her family. - Posted by: Shah Rukh Altaf (Student from International College of Manitoba ) on: Sep 06, 2014
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Smart. Kind. Beautiful. I am privileged to have known and learned so much from Susan. My deepest sympathy to her family. - Posted by: Sally Correia (Colleague) on: Sep 06, 2014
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My condolences to the family. Susan was very uplifting, motivating and very positive no matter what. Her open door policy will forever be cherished. I know our success is her greatest joy. She will forever live in our hearts. May her soul rest in peace. - Posted by: Zita Kamwendo (ICM student-(2011-2012)) on: Sep 05, 2014
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It was a very great shock to hear about Susan's death. I first met Susie when she worked with the the Manitoba League for Persons with Disabilities, and later in various social justice movements. She came to work with us in government with a special concern for disabilities issues and poverty. She was tireless in advocacy, and so full of passion for justice for those she cared about. It is clear from the heartfelt tributes that her warmth and passion were a source of support for so many people she touched. Her life ended far too soon, but in its years she touched so many that her passion will live on in countless others lives. I am sorry to be away from Winnipeg at this time, because I would very much like to be at her service of celebration tomorrow. I offer my deep condolences to Lawrie, her children and grandchildren and all her family. Tim Sale. - Posted by: Tim Sale (Friend) on: Sep 05, 2014
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Susan was an amazing person. Loving, caring and nurturing. Her sudden passing saddens my soul. She touched me with her awesome smile, passionate being and overall thoughtfulness. She was a beacon that I relied to when I first moved to Canada. Susan, dear, I hope you find peace and harmony and you will be among us as long as we breath. Your wonderful personality will live eternally among the people who met you. Thank you! - Posted by: Faisal Haji (ICM alumni) on: Sep 05, 2014
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I met Susan 2 years ago when I went to work for ICM as an instructor. She was a wonderful human being who cared deeply about making ICM the best it could possibly be for the students and the staff who worked there. She was passionate about creating the tools necessary for student success at ICM and ensuring that students would succeed when they transitioned to university. She had a wonderful personality and when she smiled, she lit up. She will be greatly missed at ICM. - Posted by: Jenifer Mohammed (Co-worker) on: Sep 05, 2014
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Susan Deane was undoubtedly one of the most positive, vibrant and exuberant person I have ever met. Susan’s role in helping international students settle in Canada was incomparable. She was a role model for all the students and her presence made International College of Manitoba ‘a home away from home’. We dropped by her office numerous times without an appointment; she always listened to our concerns and helped us in every way possible. She went beyond her call of duty in helping new students settle in Canada. Susan will remain an inspiration for all us and we will miss her dearly. May her soul rest in peace. - Posted by: Astitwa Thapa (Student, ICM) on: Sep 05, 2014
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I was so very sad to learn of Susie's passing. In the 1980s, I had the pleasure of hiring her to work for the International Committee of the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities. We were both so young then and had great fun working together on many interesting projects supporting people with disabilities in developing countries, particularly Guyana. One rather memorable project was assisting people with disabilities in Guyana to establish a chicken hatchery as an employment and income generating venture. Susie and I learned more about chicken farming during that exercise than either one of us ever thought we would need to know. We laughed often. She taught me much. My condolences to Lawrie, Sarra and Leah. Your wife and mother was a great person and will be missed. Especially by me. - Posted by: Dave Martin (Co-worker and friend ) on: Sep 05, 2014
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Always a shining light in my life with her warm smile and welcoming words, I'm shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. Suzie's humanity and dedication were enormous and so honest, her passions so palpable, that I imagine she is with us forever. My sincere condolences to Lawrie and Suzie's children and family for this loss. - Posted by: Shirley Grosser (Former colleague) on: Sep 05, 2014
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Our community of St. Paul's College is very saddened to learn the news of the death of our friend and colleague Susan Deane who was the Principal and CEO of the International College of Manitoba. Many ICM students and instructors study and work here in the College, with many students graduating and becoming fulltime University of Manitoba students. Their successes are largely tied to her efforts and dedication. She was a good friend and colleague of many of us here. Will miss her and will keep her family in our prayers. - Posted by: Chrostopher Adams (Friend and Colleague) on: Sep 05, 2014
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I really feel sad when hearing the bad news, and I can't help...I really want to meet you at the last moment. Hope you will be peaceful in that world, and also wish you will live longer and better for the next life. - Posted by: Yunwei Ji (teacher and student) on: Sep 05, 2014
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Susan was a very special person in my life. She was very encouraging and supportive while I was in the Inner City SW Program. She was extremely sensitive and caring towards the needs of people of all cultures, and she had a gift of spreading her unique sunshine on all who knew her. I will continue to carry her memory in my heart. My deepest condolences to Lawrie and their daughters. - Posted by: Ana Luisa Spraggs (Friend) on: Sep 04, 2014
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My sincere condolences Lawrie to you and family. I worked with Susie while I was U1 Director and as Dean of Studies at St. Paul's College. With her enthusiasm and skills she took the ICM and its programme and made it fly. Students from all over the world owe her a great debt; she believed in them. - Posted by: Chris Butterill (Colleague at St. Paul's College) on: Sep 04, 2014
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Susan was the most wonderful person I have ever met. It is hard for me to imagine the college without her; her positive aura, her warm smile and her readiness and willingness to help everyone. I personally will deeply miss her presence in ICM. May her soul rest in peace. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Snehil Dua () on: Sep 04, 2014
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Susan was a very nice person. As a principal she welcomed students from different countries wholeheartedly. Whenever we met she tried to know about how we are doing at the university after finishing ICM. She was great...I am shattered after hearing that she passed away. I pass my sincere condolences to her family. May she rest in peace. - Posted by: Raffat Hossain () on: Sep 04, 2014
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I was shocked to hear the sad news of her passing. I was so glad to know her at the start of my university life here in Canada. She was always so concerned about the ICM students and always listened to what we had to say. She will be missed so much and we'll always remember her. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this sad and difficult time. Sincerest regards, Kyoka. - Posted by: Kyoka Yabe (ICM student 2010-2103) on: Sep 04, 2014
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Un-believable, Amaging personality, Hard worker and Dedicated. - Posted by: Sushil Kumar (Department) on: Sep 04, 2014
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One thing I regret the most is that I thought we always could have time for dinner together – which we had planned for more than 6 months but it will never happen. Susan, you were one of the most wonderful women I had met in my life. Thank you so much for all the help and support from you and Lawrie – you will be missed and loved by people who know you. - Posted by: Su Tian (Friend) on: Sep 04, 2014
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Mrs. Susan Deane, Despite knowing her for a short period of time, gave me a great memory I can never forget. It was during that time when I, a couple of my fellow classmates, and appreciable staff members made a bake sale charity for The Philippines due to the typhoon's destruction that it caused. I was having a radio interview early in the morning on the day of the bake sale, and I was nervous. Mrs. Susan, called me and said that she will be listening to the interview, and reassured me that everything will be alright. That moment made me feel a little at ease. When the interview ended, I felt that I didn't really do a good job at it, but she sent me a text saying that she was very proud and said that it was a wonderful interview. I am very pleased to have met such a wonderful principal who cares so much for the well-being and future for all of us international students. With this memory I have of her, and her dedication towards the school, I hope that I can make her proud and be successful as that is what she would have wished for all of us. To conclude, I would like to give out my condolences to her family, and may God be with you. Rest in peace, Mrs. Susan.. - Posted by: Karinna Bornilla (Student from ICM) on: Sep 04, 2014
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My sincere condolences to you and your family, Lawrie. Although I did not know Susie, I am hearing wonderful stories of the very special person she was. May special memories give you strength at this difficult time. Pat Mochnacz. - Posted by: Pat Mochnacz () on: Sep 04, 2014
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Susan gave me my first job opportunity as a social worker. She encouraged me to develop leadership skills with patience. She shared her experiences with generosity. My deepest condolences to Lawrie, their children and her family. I witnessed their love and dedication to one another while I was a social worker student in the Inner City Program. She will be missed. - Posted by: Soledad Pomareda (former co-worker) on: Sep 04, 2014
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Susan's sudden passing was a shock to everyone and I personally will miss her warm smile, enthusiasm for her work, and generosity of support for all ICM instructors. I met Susan only 3 years ago and in the time I had the privilege of knowing her she always had the time for a smile for me and to ask me how things were going in the classroom. I would pop into her office unannounced and she always had time for my concerns no matter what they were. She will be missed and my thoughts are with her family and friends at this time. - Posted by: Shaune McFarlane (Coworker) on: Sep 04, 2014
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she accepted my offer to become my guardian in Canada in order for me to be able to enrol in ICM. She was truly a great educator and a wonderful person. - Posted by: Nguyen Vu (student) on: Sep 04, 2014
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Lawrie and family. Susan was so very proud of all of you, loved you all so much, and was so very happy to be a grandmother. I hope that all of your memories of her and of you adventures together will help you through this very difficult time. My thoughts and wishes are with you. Nicole - Posted by: Nicole Ritchot (friend and former colleague on ACU Board) on: Sep 04, 2014
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Dear Lawrie, Sarra and Leah I can't tell you how sad I am to hear about Susie's passing. To me her smile just made everything seem possible and doable. I always valued her determination and commitment to everything she did. Her inner and outer beauty was so engaging! Our community has lost a great advocate and teacher and her accomplishemnts will live on. Take care. - Posted by: Paula Keirstead (Colleague) on: Sep 04, 2014
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