Susan Merline McCulloch
July 17, 1952- January 12, 2021
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Susan McCulloch announces her peaceful passing from cancer, at home surrounded by her loved ones.
Susan was a beloved wife, mother, granny, sister, aunt and friend. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 42 years, Ken Blasius; daughters,
Lauren (John) and Malorie (David); adored grandsons, Declan, Owen and Bennett (her “mini men”); sister, Joyce (Bob) Davies of Victoria, BC; sister-in-law Betts Robinson of St. Albert; niece and nephews, Dana Davies, Brett Davies, Ben Robinson and Jacob Robinson.
Susan was born in Dauphin, Manitoba to William and Elsie McCulloch. The family eventually moved to Edmonton where Susan graduated from Bonnie Doon High School. She attended the University of Alberta obtaining a B.A and Bachelor of Commerce degree with distinction. She then worked with the Provincial Government for 35 years, retiring in 2011.
Susan and Ken travelled the world with many fond memories of the “Happy Wanderers” and friends that accompanied them on such adventures. Susan was very grateful for the opportunity to have visited nearly every continent.
In the last 6 years, Susan and Ken enjoyed their place in Indian Wells, California during the winter months. Her “Happy Place” though was their cottage at Osprey Bay on Lake Wabamun where they shared many happy times with family and friends.
Susan loved gardening (had to, as she had 2 yards to look after) and was passionate about art and volunteered at the Edmonton Art Gallery. During her retirement, she finally had time to return to painting and her other artistic endeavours. She loved to be active, and in the last few years had taken up golf.
Above all, Susan cherished her family, especially her best friends, Lauren and Malorie and her beloved “mini-men”. She was particularly fond of both of her sons-in-law, David Nisbet and John Bell. She was blessed with many friends, and she and the family were overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness, generosity and love expressed since her diagnosis.
The family would also like to thank Dr. Nigel Flook for always being there, and Dr. Julie Price Hiller, and Vanessa Sauve from the Cross Cancer Institute for their compassion and care.
Cremation has taken place and due to current restrictions, a celebration of life will take place at a later date to remember and honour Susan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation, www.burrowingowl.com, or Animal Rescue Crew Society, www.aarcs.ca
Don Brabbins says
Susan leaves a wonderful legacy of love, joy and respect.
I send my heartfelt prayers and condolences to you and the family Ken.
Your friend as always.
Don
Shannon Mitchell-Flek says
Ken, Lauren, Malorie and family – My heart and thoughts are with you. Susan was a beautiful woman inside and out with an unforgettable smile and laugh. Words fall short of expressing my sadness for your loss.
Lois Field says
My family and I have been legal clients of Ken Blasius for many years and always appreciated his kind and thoughtful attention. Although I did not know Susan personally I send sincere condolences to Ken and family
Bruce Garriock says
Ken, Lauren and Malorie.
We are heartbroken to hear of Susan’s passing.
Susan was a wonderful person, full of energy and love for her family.
We cherish the memories of our time spent with you and Susan.
Laurie, Bruce and family.
Lois Field says
My family and I have been legal clients of Ken Blasius for many years and have always appreciated his kind and thoughtful attention. My sincere condolences to Ken and family
Jill Usher says
Ken, Lauren, Malorie and family – My sincere condolences. I know Susan from the wonderful women’s Wednesday walking group we both participated in over the past few years since retirement. I did not know Susan as well as most but from our many enjoyable tromps through Edmonton’s river valley, it was easy to see that Susan was someone who quietly enjoyed life to its fullest. Her stories of her kids, grand-kids, lake time and travel adventures showcased her fun sense of humour and love of adventure. Her calm and gentle nature could not hide her intelligence, thoughtful wisdom, generosity and genuine joy of life. She was a beautiful soul, inside and out and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May the many, many happy memories of Susan you share help you in this time of sadness.
Diane and Rob Quilley says
Ken, Lauren, Mallory and families…Rob and I have known and loved your family since the first day we met so many years ago. Sue was a woman who always shared her caring and kind nature with everyone she met and made them welcome. She was like a warm hug and we will greatly miss her. Although she’s not physically with you now, I know she left you with beautiful memories, her gardens, and her art so that everywhere you look, you can see her in everyday things and remember her in your shared memories. She knew the value of her family and you were all blessed to have her, as we all were. I look forward to the day (soon, I hope) when we can celebrate her life. Take care…
Lisa Waygood says
To Ken, Lauren and Mallory and your families:
We were absolutely so sad to hear of Sue’s passing. It seems unreal to hear such sad news. We are so sorry for your incredible loss. I have such good memories of family vacations and parties and all the fun that we had over the years with our families. We are so lucky to have those memories. Your mom had such a kind and loving nature, she is a friend to all who knew her. We are thinking of you and remembering some recent times that we spent together with a smile. Our most sincerest condolences and big huge hugs to you all. Take care and sending love and hugs, Lisa and Brett Waygood
David Cawkell says
Ken, Cathie & I are very sorry to hear of Susan’s passing.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
David & Cathie Cawkell
Lloyd & Geri Strain says
Ken and family please accept our sincere condolences on Susan’s passing. We will always remember her warm and sincere smile.
Ron and Gay Coyle says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Libuse Kuzel says
Ken, Lauren, Malorie and family,
On behalf of myself and my husband Paul, we want to offer our sincere condolences on Susan’s passing.
I am devastated by this sad news. I knew Susan for many years through a mutual friend and had a pleasure to work with her for a few years as well. She was a smart, cheerful, beautiful person, great hostess and a loyal friend. It was a pleasure to be around her. We kept in touch after our retirement and met for lunches to share our family stories.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Jim and Sherri Olson says
Dear Ken and Family:
We feel deep sadness for you all at the loss of an amazing woman.
Susan touched our lives through travels together and the book club. She leaves a hole in so many lives. May God bless and comfort you all.
Sherri and Jim Olson.
Ken and Bonnie Hope says
Susan was a wonderful and vibrant person and all who knew her were blessed to have had her as a friend. We offer our sincere condolences to Ken and the family.
Bill McDonald says
Ken, Lauren, Malorie
Our deepest condolences on your loss. Susan will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill and Lorna McDonald
Jim and Laura Spence says
Ken
Very sad to hear of Susan’s passing. We feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know you both as we travelled New Zealand. Memories of Susan’s smile, laugh and ever present camera as our bus rolled on.
Our condolences to you and your family.
Rich and Cheryl Miller says
Ken and family: We were so sorry to hear about Susan’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. Rich and Cheryl Miller
brenda dunn nelson says
To Ken, Lauren,Mallory and family….
Gary and I were so very sorry to hear of Susans passing. We have not lived here for many years but do remember the times we have shared, not only watching the girls play their sports but the holidays we had traveled together as families. We always enjoyed our conversations with Susan.. Please know we are thinking of you at this time and may the wonderful memories you shared ,as a great family, carry you all thru this difficult days. Brenda and Gary Nelson and family
Donna Check says
Ken, Lauren, Malorie and families: I was so very sad to hear of Susan’s passing. We worked together at Alberta Culture and later at MSTC. She was such a lovely lady and we spent much time laughing together. She truly was beautiful inside and out. I am lucky to have known her. My deepest sympathies to you all. Donna and Dan Check
Marian and Larry Kowalchuk says
Larry and I were so sad to learn of Susan’s passing. Our daughter Alison has been good friends with Lauren for many years and this is how we came to know Susan. My last encounter with Susan was in February, 2019, when Susan, Lauren, Owen, Alison and I went for a tour together of the Sunnylands Estate in Rancho Mirage. It was such an enjoyable excursion. It was so evident how much she loved being a grandmother. Our deepest condolences to all our you.
Cathy Kruschke says
I knew Susan as a classmate during our highschool days at Bonnie Doon. Later I had the pleasure of working with her in Financial Services at Alberta Justice. Susan was a lovely person both inside and out with a generous smile for all. She will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to her family, friends and colleagues.
Betty Morris says
My heartfelt condolences to Ken and his family.
Maria and Rod MacIsaac says
We were deeply saddened to hear of Susan’s passing. Susan was a person whose company one always enjoyed. She was a smart, funny, and caring person with an infectious laugh. She will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ken, Lauren, Malorie and all of Susan’s family.
Bev and Phil Warner says
Dear Ken & family,
Susan’s lovely smile and warm laugh will be missed by so many!
We offer sincere condolences to you all.
Bev & Phil Warner
Dawn Ringrose says
Dear Ken, Lauren and Malorie,
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Susan. She was a ray of sunshine who brightened every room with her smile and wonderful sense of humour.
Warmest regards, Dawn Ringrose
Carol Rolheiser says
Dear Ken, Lauren, Malorie and Family,
My deepest condolences in the passing of Susan. She was a very special lady — intelligent, caring, beautiful, good-humoured and gracious. It was a real pleasure to travel to countries around the world with her and Ken and our “Happy Wanderers” family — and seeing the joy she experienced from these adventures. Her bright smile and infectious laugh punctuated rich conversations about the world around us. May cherished memories sustain you through the time ahead, knowing that the loss of Susan leaves a huge hole in your hearts and your lives. Sending prayers to all of you. Carol Rolheiser
DONNA LUDVIGSEN says
I was deeply saddened to learn of Susan’s passing. She was a treasured colleague and mentor. She was always able to bring warmth and compassion to the sometimes challenging deliberations of the executive table. Her hard work, expertise and wisdom was highly valued. Most importantly, she shared her love of life and gifted us with many happy memories.
My condolences to her family, friends and the wide circle of former colleagues.
Frank Sdao says
Dear Ken, Lauren, Malorie and Family,
My deepest condolences on the passing of Susan. She was a very special and unique lady. It was a real pleasure to travel to countries around the world with her, and our “Happy Wanderers” family — and sharing the joy she experienced from these adventures. I posted a few photos from a number of these adventures on my Facebook account. I loved to see the world through her eyes on these adventures … especially her love of everthing “Art” … The shopping excurtions were also one of a kind ….. May these special memories be with you forever …. I believe we honour those who have passed before us by living everyday to it’s fullest … as we know she did ……. Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you, from our family. God Bless Susan … may she Rest in Eternal Peace…. Frank Sdao
Janelle Benning says
Our thoughts, prayers and hearts are with you all during this difficult time. It was such an honour to have met Susan and be welcomed into your home at the lake with the kindest and warmest of welcomes. Rest In Peace Susan.
– Matt & Janelle Benning
Gail and Brian Neeland says
To Ken and your family,
We were heartbroken to hear of Susan’s passing.
Her legacy, and all the wonderful memories will carry on.
Gail and I wish you comfort , and we are thinking of you at this time.
Gail and Brian Neeland