SUSANNE LOUISE MCCONNELL

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SUSANNE LOUISE MCCONNELL

(nee DALTON)

December 26, 1944 - September 30, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Susanne Louise McConnell (née Dalton) on September 30, 2026, at the age of 81.

Susanne was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on December 26, 1944. After losing her parents at a young age, she moved to Winnipeg, where she was lovingly raised by her grandparents in St. James. Those early years helped shape the fiercely independent and determined woman she would become.

Susanne welcomed her beautiful daughter, Terry, in 1969. In 1972, she met the love of her life, George McConnell. They married on July 28, 1973, beginning a remarkable 54-year marriage filled with family, friendship, laughter and love. Together they welcomed their son, Dan, in 1975, completing their family of four.

Susanne was never one to shy away from hard work or a challenge. While raising her family, she worked at Sanford Evans and worked towards her CGA at night - a reflection of the determination, intelligence and perseverance she carried throughout her life. She went on to spend many years at the Winnipeg Sun, where she served as manager of the accounting department, building a successful career while remaining deeply devoted to her family. Susanne's love of work carried well into her retirement years, as she continued to share her experience and expertise through consulting work.

Susanne also believed deeply in giving back. She generously devoted her time to her community, volunteering with the Charleswood Seniors Centre and the Manitoba Theatre Centre. She was a longtime member of Beta Sigma Phi and filled her calendar with bridge clubs, book clubs, mahjong, golf league and just about anything else that brought her closer to her friends and family. For Susanne, it was rarely about the activity itself - it was about the people she shared it with.

Those who knew Susanne will remember her fierce spirit, quick wit and wonderful sense of humour. Often, she didn't need to say a word - one of Susanne's unmistakable facial expressions could tell an entire story. And then there was the famous raised fist, delivered at just the right moment, that never failed to make her family and friends laugh. These little mannerisms were uniquely Susanne and will be remembered with smiles for years to come. Susanne loved people. She treasured her friendships, loved a good social gathering, country music and dancing, and was happiest surrounded by the people she cared about.

Above all else, Susanne loved George and her family beyond words. Nothing delighted her more than hearing the latest stories about her grandchildren. She cherished visits from Terry and John and their daughters, Kennedy and Lauren, and followed the lives and adventures of Brynn, Liam and Matthew with enormous pride. She truly lived for the stories about her grandchildren and could never hear enough about what they were doing.

While the kitchen may not have been where Susanne's talents shone brightest, baking for the people she loved was another story. She made apple pies for the boys, baked cookies with Brynn, and her birthday cake recipe will forever hold legendary status in the McConnell family as Dan's favourite.

Susanne leaves behind her beloved husband of 54 years, George McConnell; her daughter Terry Lewis (John) and grandchildren Kennedy and Lauren; her son Dan McConnell (Kirsten) and grandchildren Brynn, Liam and Matthew; her sister-in-law Bonny Cardinal (Cal); as well as extended family and a wonderful circle of friends accumulated over a lifetime.

Susanne's life was one of resilience, determination, generosity, friendship, laughter and tremendous love. Her absence leaves an enormous space in the lives of those who loved her, but she also leaves behind a lifetime of stories, traditions and memories that will continue to make us smile.

She was deeply loved, and she will be profoundly missed.

A service celebrating Susanne's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, Winnipeg, 4000 Portage Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CancerCare Manitoba or Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home

204-885-9715

Tribute Link: www.chapellawn.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 03, 2026