Susan “Sue” Wood, known for her kind, caring, and selfless nature, passed away suddenly on September 7, 2024, at the age of 64 in Dryden, ON. She was born Susan Fairbairn on December 20, 1959, to Betty and John Fairbairn in London, England.
Some of the greatest pleasures in Sue’s life came from caring for others. She started her professional career as a Registered Nurse in 1982 and quickly began working in countries around the world including France, Switzerland, Israel, Ghana, and Canada. During this time she also completed her training to become a Registered Midwife in 1989. Sue was a caregiver without hesitation and never sought recognition for her actions. She dedicated over 40 years to the nursing profession and took a special interest in public health and community nursing care. She formed deep connections with remarkable individuals throughout her journey, including members of the Eagle Lake First Nation community. Her life’s purpose was always driven by providing for others, and after a few attempts at retirement, she knew she couldn’t just sit at home. While continuing to work as a nurse, Sue trained to become a Registered Reflexology Therapist and started up her own practice. She had created the foundation for “retirement” while ensuring that she could still provide for the community. Despite having countless plans for the future, none of which involved slowing down. If Sue had her way, she planned to donate her time to provide reflexology to people living with special needs and in palliative care.
In Sue’s personal life, things were no different. In 1989 she came to Canada to work for Health Canada. This allowed her to work in the communities of Wunnumin Lake, Deer Lake, Big Trout Lake, and Fort Severn First Nation. It wasn’t unusual for people to wonder what would bring a young woman from London to Northern Ontario; the answer was quite simple: polar bears. Little did she know during that time she would make quite the impression on a pilot from Dryden. She didn’t make it easy for him, but Brent was able to win her over. By the summer of 1993, Brent and Sue were happily married. In the following years, they joyfully welcomed their three children. Sue was a natural when it came to being a mother. Her children were raised with immeasurable amounts of love and care, and whether they liked it or not, Michael Jackson music. There were no limits when it came to someone’s birthday, Christmas, or any occasion for that matter. Sue would move heaven and earth to create memories for her family. Although devastated by the loss of their wife and mother, Sue’s family will always cherish the memories they made together.
While Sue took immense pleasure in creating her second home in Canada, she deeply treasured her roots in the UK. Any opportunity to spend time with her family and friends back home was beyond priceless – or as Sue would say “better than gold dust”. She was proud when she became a Canadian citizen, but wouldn’t hesitate to remind you that she was a Brit through and through.
Sue is survived in Canada by her husband of 31 years, Brent, her children Tyler, Matthew, and Sarah, her mother/father-in-law Bonnie and Carl, sisters-in-law Sheila (Greg), and Janice (Jeff), brother-in-law Terry (Lorna) and numerous nieces and nephews. She is survived in the UK by her siblings David and Ann (Roger), nephews James (Kay) and Alex (Angela), and her niece Katie (Fredi). We also recognize the many precious friendships which she often referred to like her family. Some of these friendships include Chris (Tony), Jane, Donna, Madeleine, and Kim. She was predeceased by her parents John and Betty, her brother Christopher, and her sister-in-law Bridget.
Sue’s family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the efforts of all first responders and members of DRHC who responded to help on September 7, 2024.
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Dan Baron says
September 16, 2024 at 7:58 pmCondolences from Dan and Denise Baron
Barb Gauthier says
September 16, 2024 at 8:34 pmI was saddened to hear of Sue’s passing. Our boys went to school together and she was such a sweet lady. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Wendy Mawby says
September 16, 2024 at 11:39 pmSo sorry for your loss. She was such a sweet lady. God bless you and your family during this difficult time. My prayers are with you.
Martin Bean says
September 17, 2024 at 2:40 pmTyler, thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. My deepest sympathies.
Laurel Grennier says
September 17, 2024 at 5:16 pmI am so sorry for your loss Brent Tyler Matthew and Sara. Please know I am hugging you in my heart and prayers during this most difficult time for all of you. . Your Wife / Mom was such a blessing to anyone who was fortunate to know her and has left her much endeared mark on the hearts of many.
Ashley Kettles says
September 17, 2024 at 6:43 pmTo the Wood family, my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. Sue was an absolute pleasure to be around. She radiated kindness and put so much passion and effort into everything she was a part of. It was a privilege to be able to work with her at SLFNHA and she was an amazing nurse. She is already sadly missed. Thinking of all the family and friend’s of Sue and those who’s lives she has touched. With a special hug out to Sarah.
Barb Lindquist says
September 18, 2024 at 11:20 pmSo saddened to hear of Sue’s passing. She was a kind, lovely person. Thinking of all of her family at this difficult time.
Kim says
September 17, 2024 at 6:48 pmMy condolences to your family. Sue was kindhearted and will be missed dearly. Her laugh was the best!
Jennifer Northcott says
September 17, 2024 at 10:15 pmBrent, Tyler, Matthew & Sara – We were so sorry to hear of your wife/ Mother’s passing. Her memory will always be carried on through the amazing children that she brought into this world. Your family is in our prayers. Rick and Jenny Northcott
Heather Spoozak says
September 17, 2024 at 10:28 pmMy condolences to you all. I have known Sue for a long time dating back to the days of Kindermusic and piano lessons with the kids. Then fast forward to enjoying yoga with Sue. I LOVED our conversations together and her English accent . I will always remember Sue for the rest of my days. Our birthdays were 6 days apart so she will never be forgotten. What a beautiful soul she was ❤️
Carly Brown says
September 18, 2024 at 2:17 amTo the Wood Family, I want to extend my deepest condolences for the loss of your mom and wife. She will be missed deeply.
The first time I ever met Sue she was carrying a bucket full of golden retriever puppies through the health unit to show her co-workers. I thought to myself who is this radiant woman with a cool accent and well…she had puppies so I just had to introduce myself! That’s when I first met the kindest, warmest, wonderful woman Sue. Years later she hired me to teach chair yoga at Eagle Lake FN. She always brought in a dedicated crew of elders, participated in the class, and we always ended up having beautiful discussions on spirituality, health & wellness. She later joined many yoga retreats and classes that I and other teachers put on at Lokah Sangha Yoga. She was such a beautiful part of our little yoga community, and was loved by all of us. She was incredibly supportive of my work, and the work of other holistic health practitioners in our community. She spoke with so much pride of her family and children- she loved you endlessly.
Sue you were taken far too soon, we will all miss you in our lives. Rest in Peace friend.
Donna-Rae Carter says
September 18, 2024 at 7:37 pmI am so very sorry for your families loss. Although I didn’t know Sue well, I know she was one of the kindest, sweetest person I have had the pleasure of meeting. Sending heartfelt condolences to her family and friends, you are in my thoughts.
Vicky Reed says
September 18, 2024 at 11:21 pmCondolences to the family of Sue Wood.
She was such a kind soul, had a heart of gold, and was a ball of inspirational joy and gentle fierceness. I will truly miss her beautiful smile, her “soothing accent” and the times we spent chatting.
May you rest in peace Dear Sue as you begin your journey home. Vicky Reed (SLFNHA colleague)
Hansson family says
September 19, 2024 at 1:52 amBrent, Tyler, Matthew and Sarah – we are shocked and devastated by the news of her untimely passing. Please find comfort from your lifetime of memories and know her kindness, love, unwavering support for her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her lives on in all of us. Sending you all hugs as you try to navigate this difficult and emotional time. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
Alan & Suzanne Wice says
September 19, 2024 at 11:40 amWe are so sorry to hear about Sue. She was always happy and so pleasant to be around. A very caring nurse and a loving wife and mum. Our kids went to school , church, etc, and are friends wth Tyler, Matt & Sarah . Sending Brent and your entire family, a huge hug today.
Candi Edwards says
September 19, 2024 at 4:03 pmWe were so privileged and blessed to have had Sue on our team at SLFNHA. She radiated kindness and grace, and it is such a loss for her colleagues, family, friends, and the communities she lived in and served. Please accept my sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy.
Richard Smith says
September 19, 2024 at 4:22 pmSusan was such a dear soul , whenever you walked into her house she would always warmly greet you with that lively chipper English accent and make you feel right at home . In fact it was home for me for a while , renting one of Brent and Sue’s great little places up the hill where they would always do the very best for you .
Many great times over the years , a dear friend taken to early , I will really miss her, as will we all. My most sincere condolences go out to Brent , Tyler, Matt, Sara and extended family
God Bless
Richard Smith
Lori Gray says
September 20, 2024 at 3:57 pmI was lucky enough to have crossed paths with Sue through the reflexology community.
Most recently, attending a hand reflexology class.
Even in those few encounters, I always felt I was in the presence of an amazing human.
Brightness and joy embodied.
My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Lori Gray
Dolores Mary Chabot says
September 20, 2024 at 10:45 pmSorry to hear about Susan’s passing. I am unable to attend the service but sending hugs.
mary louise proudfoot says
September 21, 2024 at 4:25 pmI have no words to express my sorrow for your loss. Sue was a fantastic woman, mentor, and friend. Our paths crossed over the years, and her “joie de vivre” will always be embedded in my heart.
Mary Proudfoot
Candy Clarke says
September 22, 2024 at 4:53 amI was saddened to hear of Sue’s passing today. She was a beautiful soul who radiated kindness. My condolences to her family.
Beth Nixon says
September 26, 2024 at 1:32 amBrent, Tyler, Matthew, and Sara
I was shocked and so saddened to hear of Sue’s sudden passing. She and I have been crossing paths and known one another since the days when we took our children to the Toy Library. A truly wonderful, kindhearted, and caring person. She spoke of Tyler, Matthew and Sara every single time we spoke. Her family was her everything. I am so deeply sorry for this enormous and devastating loss. Peace to you all.
—Beth Nixon
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sue’s memory to DRHC Palliative Care on the DRHC website or by mail- P.O. Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6.
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