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SUSAN MARGARET HOPLOCK
Born: May 05, 1945
Date of Passing: Oct 20, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySUSAN MARGARET HOPLOCK
In the late afternoon of Monday, October 20, our darling Susan passed away peacefully after a long and courageous struggle following her cardiac arrest in 2023. She was a fighter to the end. Her passing has left an emptiness in our hearts. It is impossible to describe how much we loved her. Susan is survived by Julian Benson.
Susan was born in Winnipeg, the beloved daughter of Mary and Harald Cleven. She was passionate about her Norwegian heritage. In her early years, the family moved to Calgary, where she enjoyed a happy childhood until the untimely and tragic loss of her father in 1956 in Air Canada’s first commercial crash into Mount Slesse, B.C. Not long after, her mother brought Susan and her two brothers back to Winnipeg, where they worked at rebuilding their lives under their mom’s strong leadership and guidance. Following high school, she began her career with Canada Trust and later moved into human resources management, where she honed her natural leadership and organizational skills.
Jill and Rebecca’s mother was their greatest source of strength and the guiding light who shaped them into the women they are today. She believed in them always, reminding them that they were capable of anything they set their minds to. Her encouragement was steady and unwavering; she was their biggest cheerleader through every success and every stumble. Her infectious laugh, joyful spirit, and natural charisma could fill any room, making everyone around her feel loved, included, and alive. She celebrated even the smallest victories with pride and made her daughters feel seen, valued, and deeply cherished. Through her example, Jill and Rebecca learned what true resilience, compassion, and courage look like in action. She taught them to face challenges with grace, to lead with empathy, and to always find light even in the hardest moments. Her love didn’t stop with her daughters—she passed those same values on to her beloved granddaughters, Megan and Sarah, who truly lit up her life. She cherished every moment spent with them—gardening together, attending their school events and volleyball tournaments, and cheering them on in all their pursuits. Even though they lived in different cities, she treasured their conversations with Megan and Sarah, as well as with Jill, Rebecca, and Hugh, finding deep joy and connection in every call. She was endlessly proud of her granddaughters’ accomplishments, especially their leadership, kindness, and academic achievements. She saw in them a reflection of her own determination and drive, and took immense joy in watching them grow into strong, confident young women. Her influence will forever guide them, her love and example a lasting source of inspiration in everything they do.
In the latter 1970’s Susan embarked upon an absolutely exciting career of service, during which she had the honour of serving two Provincial Premiers. She excelled in several senior management roles at government and within her party. She took great pride in mentoring and guiding young people as they developed and progressed in their careers, affectionately referring to them as “her kids.” Her influence on those she worked with was lasting and rewarding.
Susan was an absolute joy to be around—vibrant, joyful, and charismatic. She loved her summers and gardening at Sandy Hook on Lake Winnipeg, her winters in Naples, Florida, and her travels through Europe, especially in Portugal. But more than anything, she loved being surrounded by family and friends. Her laughter could fill any room, her warmth drew people in, and she had a way of making everyone feel loved and included. She adored lively gatherings, good conversation, and a good game of Trivial Pursuit. What could you not love about her.
Susan and Julian had over 40 spectacular years together, filled with joy and laughter, within our blended family. She was the linch-pin of our family. Susan and Julian embraced each others’ children as their own, building close, meaningful relationships with each of them. They celebrated many milestones, offered their guidance and support whenever it was needed, and they welcomed every new member of the family with open arms. Susan’s love extended to Julian’s grandchildren, who fondly called her Grandma Sue. She was a constant presence in their lives—attending birthdays, graduations, and countless family gatherings—with her signature warmth, humour, and enthusiasm. Cheering from the sidelines or tending the garden together, Grandma Sue brought light and laughter to every moment. Her love for all the children in her life was unconditional, and the bonds she formed with Julian’s family will remain an enduring part of her legacy.
Susan is lovingly remembered by her daughters Jill Harley (Hugh) and Rebecca Merriman, and her cherished granddaughters Megan and Sarah (daughters of Jill and Hugh), who carry her strength, compassion, and confidence into their own lives. Further, she is survived by Julian’s sons Craig and Michael (Neila) and their children Adam and Kelsey (Daniel); and daughter Lisa (Duane) and their children Eric (Kylie) and Blake (Sara). She will be dearly missed by her special cousin Heather (Bill) Howitt from “Down East,” and by her lifelong friends Shirley and Arnold Reimer. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and Harald, and her brothers, James and Jeffrey.
Her laughter, love and beautiful spirit will live on forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Susan’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
A Celebration of Susan’s Life will be held on November 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2025
