SMILLIE, Susan Merle
June 16, 1959 – February 27, 2017
Susan Merle Smillie (born Susan Brown) was born on June 16, 1959 and passed away on February 27, 2017 after an amazingly courageous battle against cancer. She grew up in Sussex, New Brunswick – a middle child of six siblings, raised by loving parents Vivian and Russell Brown. In her youth she was known for her infectious smile and long beautiful locks of hair. She always spoke fondly of her childhood in Sussex. She was lucky enough later on in life to share her hometown and her loved ones who live there with her immediate family. They were always made to feel at home. Sussex was a formative part of the wonderful person she was and her warmth as an individual came largely from her upbringing within the small town she called home in her youth.
In her mid-20’s she moved from her roots to take shot at a life in Calgary. It was here in Calgary that she met her forever love – Grant Smillie. Fate and mutual friends brought them together in the middle of an enormous country and they were blessed with 32 years of love together. They raised two wonderful children together – Katie and Bronson, who will always admire their moms inner-strength as well as her understanding and nurturing nature as a mother – who believed strongly in tolerance over judgement.
Susan made a career for herself as an insurance broker, she had many long-term friends that she met and cherished as a result of her time in the industry. She had a knack for sports and excelled at those involving hand-eye coordination: bowling, horseshoes, baseball and curling to name a few. She took daily power walks – hand-in-hand with her love Grant – at Carburn Park. She was most at home when in the company of family and friends at her families place at Carefree Resort on Glennifer Lake – a place she felt truly stress free, able to enjoy life to the fullest. She will be forever missed by all of the beautiful relationships she forged within that close-knit community.
She was a magnetic human – extending unconditional love to all those she held close. As an individual, Susan was fierce, beautiful and unbelievably strong-willed. Her sparkling blue eyes were enough to light up the room and her quick wit and silly sense of humour kept those around her laughing and smiling. She relished in the beauty of the life she was given and never passed on a chance to declare her love. We are all so blessed for this.
A celebration of Susan’s life will be held on March 11th, 2017 at 1:00 pm at RockPointe Church – Bowridge (12 Bowridge Drive NW, Calgary, AB). A celebration is also being planned for Susan’s friends and family in New Brunswick at a later date. All flowers can be taken or delivered to the above location.
A Memorial Bench is being planned as a permanent tribute for Susan. Those who wish to contribute may contact the family for details. Flowers are welcome and appreciated by the family “As they bring joy to our home”.
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Beautifully written and let’s us all rejoice in Susan’s life. Grant, Bronson and Katie rejoice in this time as you celebrate Susan’s life. Share your stories, laugh cry whatever it takes as she will be looking down listening intently with a Hugh smile on her face. I will miss you my BEAUTIFUL GIRLFRIEND!!! As I lay awake thinking of all the times we shared over the last 35 years it brings tears, smiles and sometimes a good belly laugh! We always had a great time…..time spent at the rink, playing YATZEE until the wee hours of the morning, dancing at the Cabaret or just curled up drinking coffee and sharing stories! These are just a few of the things I will miss along with you Susan Smillie!! Love you to the moon and back and can draw strength knowing you are not in pain any longer ! RIP my beautiful girl until we meet again! Xoxoxo. ❤
This is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman. She left an imprint in the heart of everyone she met. My life is enriched for having known her. I will cherish the memories we created together as “the two Sues”. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend. I will love her and miss her all of the days of my life. I’m sure she is happy and healthy now with her dad and other family and friends. I’m sure Romeo greeted her too with wet sloppy kisses!
Grant so sorry to here of the passing of Susan my deepest condolences
my friend from John Emilia and Alicia.
My tears keep falling, some of pure sadness at your loss, but most out of gratitude to have been blessed to have had you in my life. Forever in my heart my dear friend, I will cherish every memory we have shared and look forward to the day I see you again. Grant, Katie and Bronson, may God wrap his arms around you and give you the comfort you need to get though this sad time. XO
What a lovely tribute to Susan. Deepest condolences to you Grant , Katie and Bronson. What a wonderful legacy she left in your children. Know we are thinking of you at this sad time.
Our Deepest condolences to your family,Susan was a beautiful person she was known for her beautiful smile and beautiful hair,she will be missed by anyone that knew her,our thoughts and prayers are with all the family
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies in the loss of your wife, mom & best friend. Your beautiful tribute brings a smile. As I read I realize she carried all her wonderful traits to her adult life.
We chummed in school and after graduation Susan, Jennie & myself roomed together in Moncton for a year where none of her good study habits or housekeeping rubbed off on me.
My thoughts are with you all. Ann (McFarland) McLean
So very sorry about Susan. I went to school with her, and although we weren’t close friends, I remember her as a beautiful soul. I can only imagine how much you will miss her. Know that she is with you always.
My tribute to one of the most amazing women I’ve ever met. Suzy…one of my besties over the years, I will miss you.I wish we had spent more time together these past few years. We have laughed, cried, got angry, forgave,loved each other like two little girls, were sad together along with all the other emotions 2 friends could experience in a life time. We were actually almost inlaws. ha. You have raised two beautiful children and with an amazing supportive husband. “I love you too girl”.
Bernie
So sorry and sad to hear about Susan. She has created and has left a beautiful family legacy. Her name Smillie was meant for her as I can’t ever remember her not smiling. She is watching over you all.
So sorry for your loss, this is very sad to hear – she fought a hard and long battle. She was my first childhood friend when we moved into town and we had a great time together. I used to be at her house almost every day and her parents were so welcoming. Lots of memories. May you rest in peace Suzie Q.
Dear Grant, Bronson, & Katie. We are so sorry for your loss. I remember when I first met Sue at Carefree – I knew we would be friends. She had the same sense of humour as me. I will always remember her smile and how she had an unconditional for all. Lots of great memories. May God be with you all during this most difficult time in your life. Rest in peace now, dear Susan.
I went to school with Susan from Grade 1 to High School Graduation. Susan was a terrific person and a good friend. Her long dark brown hair was the envy of all of us with short pixie haircuts. Susan had a great voice and always took part in school choirs. She and I competed in a Xmas sing-off to determine who would do the solo. We would practice and practice with each other and I am sure it drove our parents up the wall! But it was fun – that was Susan – fun! She will be missed by all! Our 40th Graduation Reunion will take place this July. She will be there in spirit and will certainly be remembered by all!
Grant, so sorry to hear about Susan. My sincerest condolences to you and your family at this most difficult time.
Take care old friend.
So sorry to hear of Susan’s passing. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you and your beautiful family Vivian.
My heartfelt sympathy to you Grant and your beautiful children, Bronson and Katie. I have many wonderful memories of all the Brownies in our younger years. Susan was always a shining light. Her infectious smile and beautiful sparkling eyes could brighten any day. Hold tight to your many wonderful memories. Looking forward to meeting you all in May. May you all find comfort knowing her suffering has ended
Our deepest sympathy Grant, Bronson and Katie. I find it so difficult to put on paper what I feel in my heart. You know what a beautiful person Susan was, and I can only add to that and tell you that she was special to me from the little girl I remember to the woman she had become over the years. She always made us feel special and that is something I will remember forever. I hope you can find comfort in the many friends and family who will feel your loss almost as much as you do. She left behind people who love her so much and will not forget her. Hang onto all the special memories you have of your time with her and have no regrets. She was so proud of all of you and it showed in the way she treated people. Our loss is Heaven’s gain and may God bless you
My heart goes out to you and your family and you have my deepest sympathy Grant! Sue was a wonderful woman and I admired the love and devotion you had for one another. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family and to all of those who were blessed to know her.
Richard
Susan was a very old and dear friend of mine. Many days and weekends were spent on Paradise Row with Susan and her very warm and welcoming family. Susan loved to sing and dance and just have fun. We went to many Hockey games together, camping, and school. A lot of my youth was spent with Susan and I couldn’t have picked a better friend. A very warm and genuine person.My heart goes out to her family. A very sad time and a huge loss. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Grant, Katie and Bronson. Sue was always a shining light wherever she went, her smile was infectious. She will be dearly missed, however she will never be forgotten. We are better people for having known her.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Susan. I knew Susan when she worked as an insurance broker. She was always so wonderful to deal with. I got to know her well and we spoke often of our wonderful kids. She always made me smile and we had some good laughs. She is a woman I will never forget. I am so happy to have known her.
My heartfelt condolences to the family.
My deepest sympathies to you Grant, Katie and Bronson at this time of loss. May you always cherish the wonderful memories you have shared as I will cherish my memories of Susan and our adventure across Canada to start a new life in Alberta. She was a beautiful, strong, determined and wonderful woman and such a loss to everyone’s lives that she has touched. May the prayer’s, love and friendships of our your family and friends help you though this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences to all of the Smillie family! What a special lady – gone way to soon. She will be missed by all but never forgotten! Hugs to her family!
To Susan’s family,
My condolences on your loss. Sue will certainly be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Hard to believe the years have passed so fast.
While growing up in Sussex I spent a lot of time at her house and her family were so good to me.
Prayers to all.
Nancy and I wish to convey our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Grant, Katie and Bronson and all the Brown family. I always looked forward to when Viv and Russ would visit at my grandparents when I was a kid. Deeply saddened by Susan’s passing.
We were heartbroken to learn of Sue’s passing. It is and always will be hard to believe that this lovely, vibrant lady is no longer with us here on earth. We unfortunately will not be back in Canada until April so we will miss the Celebration of Sue’s life. We send our love and prayers to you Grant, Katie and Bronson. May you hold tight to your many wonderful memories of your beautiful wife/Mom.
Grant & family, We pray that you and the family will be granted with the strength needed to get through this sad moment in your lives.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time. We will be away and miss the celebration of Sue’s life.
Carl & Betty Powell
Grant, Katie & Bronson. We are so saddened to hear of the Sue’s passing. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Will miss seeing her at the lake, always had a smile even in the past few years with all she was going through. The loss of such an awesome wife and mother is heartbreaking. We are so sorry we will be out of the country and will not be able to attend the Celebration of Sue’s life, but know we will be thinking of all of you. She will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.
Grant, my sincerest condolences to you and your family. I hope you all find solace in the support of those who love you.
Katie, Bronson and Family, We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Our deepest condolences and thought are with you at this very difficult time. The Perreault Family Elinor, Bob, Chad and Brennan)
Dear Grant, We are so sorry to learn of the loss of Susan. Our heartfelt sympathies to you, your children and your entire family. I’m sorry, but we will miss the celebration. You are in our thoughts at this difficult time. She was a terrific lady!! With love, Larry & Winnie
Our hearts go out to all who knew Susan as she was a great lady. She was a very courageous woman.
I just read Susan’s obituary in the Telegraph Journal, like others from Sussex who have shared messages, I went to school with Susan and we graduated together from Sussex High! We did Sunday School together, and my grandmother lived one street over from the Brown family on Paradise Row across from the school. I used to spend time there with Susan and later in life got to know her siblings through my teaching in Sussex, and Debbie through church. Thoughts are with you.