SUSAN LORRAINE COLLISON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

SUSAN LORRAINE COLLISON

1955–2026

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Susan Lorraine Collison on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Susan passed peacefully at home with family by her side. Susan was a beloved wife, mother, Amma, sister, aunt and dedicated paediatrician. Susan is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, John Maguire; sons Sean (Brynne) and Nicholas (Amber); and grandchildren Paisleigh, Bronson, Mia, and Colten. Also left to cherish her memory are her brother Robert and twin sister Maureen (Ted Boughen), brother-in-law Doug Maguire (Becky Slater), sister-in-law Barbara Shute (Ken), and numerous nieces and nephews. Susan was predeceased by her parents, Merlin and Lorraine, and eldest brother Jim.

Born March 3, 1955, in Selkirk, Susan grew up in West Kildonan and went to West Kildonan Collegiate. She graduated from River East Collegiate after the family moved to North Kildonan. Susan attended the University of Winnipeg before earning her Medical Degree from the University of Manitoba in 1980. She then pursued paediatric residency training at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario for two years before completing her residency in Paediatrics at the Children’s Centre in Winnipeg in 1986. She obtained her Fellowship in Paediatrics (FRCP) in 1986. Susan dedicated her professional life to the health and well-being of children. She loved babies. She practiced at the Meadowood Medical Centre with partner Dr. Sharon Moisiuk for 10 years before joining the Department of Paediatrics in 1997 at Children’s Hospital Medical Centre/Paediatric Adolescence Clinic, where she practiced with, among others, her sister Maureen until her retirement in 2014. More than a few times she could be heard saying, “I am not who you think I am” or “I am the other one.” Susan’s commitment to Paediatrics extended beyond her clinical practice. She was a teacher and mentor who influenced several generations of medical students and postgraduate trainees in Paediatrics. Her kindness, collegiality and dedication to patient care left a lasting impact on colleagues, learners and families she served.

Similar to many, Susan was part of a number of communities. An avid reader, she had her book club, she played bridge with the “Bridgettes,” she was part of a dinner group which originated over 30 years ago, she had her city friends and her lake friends and she had family. Susan lived life to the fullest. She loved a good party, often leading the dancing. She could always be relied upon for a tasty mojito or delicious margarita.

When the children were younger, winter meant annual ski trips to the mountains along with memorable family vacations to New Zealand and Italy. Following retirement, Susan and John were fortunate to be able to travel internationally to Europe and South America. For many years, there was an annual trip to Turks & Caicos where she loved to bask in the sun on the fabulous beach at Grace Bay. In later years, winter meant time in La Quinta golfing, cycling, and hiking with great friends Debbie and Nick.

Of all places, her favorite was the family cottage at West Hawk Lake - the best decision we ever made! She loved the solitude of the lake in both summer and winter as much as she loved entertaining family and friends. Picking blueberries was a favourite pastime. She was a fabulous pie maker, and we will all miss her legendary pies, blueberry in the summer and pumpkin at Thanksgiving.

Susan was a wonderful wife, mother, Amma, sister, aunt, colleague and friend. We are so thankful for all the good times we had together and take comfort knowing that her struggle with cancer has ended and that she now rests in peace.

The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the doctors and nurses at CancerCare who provided excellent care throughout her 11-year cancer journey. Thanks as well to the Palliative Care team for their compassion and care in these last few weeks.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, Westminster Ave. and Ethelbert St., on Thursday, June 4, at 10:30 a.m. Reception to follow at the Niakwa Country Club, 620 Niakwa Rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Susan’s memory to Ovarian Cancer Canada or to Rossbrook House Inc.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 30, 2026