SUSAN ESTELLE DURNFORD HALL

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

SUSAN ESTELLE DURNFORD HALL (PRINGLE) On Friday, August 26, 2016, Susan died peacefully, at home, at the age of 74. Susan was with her children and granddaughter when she passed. She is greatly missed by daughter Kaley (Brent), son Simon (Kim), granddaughter Abby (Sandra), as well as other loving family members and a warm circle of very dear and devoted friends. Susan was predeceased by her mother Annette, father Charles, her husband Van, and first cousin David Sisley. Born in northern Ontario (South Porcupine) Susan spent her early years in Haileybury and her later childhood in Toronto. Susan graduated from Queens University in 1965 with a BSc in Nursing. That same year Susan and Van married. Susan spent the early part of her nursing career and married life living in Montreal working in public health nursing (for the VON). Susan and Van moved to Newfoundland in 1970 where Susan continued to work for the VON and Van taught at Memorial University. It was during this time that Kaley and Simon were born. In 1972 Van and Susan joined C.U.S.O. and moved to Tanzania where Susan continued her work in public health nursing and Van worked with the National Development Corp. During their time in Tanzania Van and Susan made many lifelong friends. Upon returning to Canada in 1975 Van and Susan moved to Winnipeg to be close to friends and to Canada's first NDP government. Susan taught community health nursing at the University of Manitoba until 1981 while Van worked in government and public practice. Susan and Van then ventured with the kids to Kathmandu, Nepal for a year. In Nepal Susan taught community health and Van worked in development before returning to Winnipeg. From 1983 until her retirement in 1999 Susan worked in staff nursing and palliative care education. After retirement Susan stayed very active taking care of her granddaughter Abby. Susan and Abby shared a love of books and particularly music which they shared each year at the Folk Festival. Susan spent a lot of her time volunteering for causes she cared about (adult literacy, women's health and ESL for new Canadians), and socializing (walking with friends, singing in a choir, taking part in book clubs, lunching with friends, etc.) with her extensive network of close friends and family. Susan loved people and people loved Susan. In addition to being a devoted Nana to granddaughter Abby, Susan was a loving mother who took an active interest in both of her adult children's lives. Kaley, Simon and Abby are all the better for her advice and guidance and for her consistent example of positivity, kindness and generosity. Susan was an avid participant in our political process and spent many days volunteering for her beloved NDP during campaign periods. She was a woman of principle and integrity. Susan loved to laugh and enjoyed joking and punning with friends and family. She had a great laugh that was with her to the end. Music was an important part of Susan's life. She enjoyed playing the piano with friends, singing in her choir (Margaret's Choir), the annual Folk Festival and Connie Kaldor concerts with friends at the West End Cultural Centre. Dancing was also never far from Susan's mind. Susan felt she had lived life to the fullest and she had. Nonetheless, her passing is a source of great sorrow to family and friends. The family wish to thank the health care providers who participated in Susan's care at CancerCare Manitoba, at Community Therapy Services, and in the Palliative Home Care Program as well as her family doctor. Their capable and compassionate care is greatly appreciated. A memorial gathering will be held to celebrate Susan's life at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Women's Health Clinic, Unit A - 419 Graham Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0M3.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2016