Susan Louise Maxwell

Susan Louise Maxwell (1951-2025)

The family and friends of Sue Maxwell (née Butler) are heartbroken to announce that Sue passed away at home in Ottawa on November 9th, 2025 after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. Sue died in the same way she lived – gently, peacefully, and with grace.

Sue grew up in Ottawa and attended Glebe Collegiate Institute. Her love of education continued as she earned two degrees from York University and became an educator. Her early teaching jobs were in Orangeville and Barrie, Ontario. After she completed her Master’s degree, Sue was hired by Montcrest School in Toronto. Sue worked there for 20 years, first as a teacher and then as Director of Admissions. While there she made a big difference in the lives of countless children.

Sue loved the outdoors and travelling, and she played a fierce game of crib. Music was another passion and in her latter years she sang in choirs in both Haliburton and Ottawa and alongside her many friends at Christ Church Bells Corners. She also fulfilled a lifelong dream of seeing Paul McCartney in concert with Mal. Forever active, Sue found joy in running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing - especially around beautiful Miskwabi Lake.

Shortly after starting at Montcrest, Sue met Barrie Maxwell and his son Terry. Barrie and Sue married in 1992. Once Sue retired, she and Barrie moved to their beautiful lakeside home in Haliburton, Ontario, which they shared with kitties Stella and Bogey. After Barrie passed away in 2012, Sue remained in Haliburton until she moved back to Ottawa in 2019. Soon after, she re-kindled her high school romance with Mal Malloch, who cared for her throughout her extremely difficult battle with cancer. When she got together again with Mal, Sue was delighted to inherit two sons, a daughter, and four grandchildren. Jesse. Cam, along with Kayla and their girls Maple and Juniper. And Carly, along with Brad and their kids, Alexandra and Desmond. They all adored Sue and were happy to inherit a new stepmom/step-granny. And Sue loved them dearly.

Sue showed profound kindness and consideration to all she met, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy of love, sweetness and compassion. She was a dedicated volunteer involved in palliative care and provided comfort to many.

Sue was predeceased by parents Lawrence and Ruth Butler, as well as beloved husband Barrie.

Sue leaves behind her stepson Terry and cherished partner Mal and family, Sue’s sisters Gail (Dave) and Margaret (Tracy), niece Wendy (Sylvain), and nephews Brian (Cindy), Kálya (Ayesha), Nathan (Ronda), Alex, Spencer (Sirie), and many great nieces and nephews.

She will also be missed by her many dear friends across the country including Calgary, Haliburton, Ottawa, and of course in the Yukon where she and Mal shared so many wonderful friendships.

The funeral and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a cause that is special to you or was special to Sue.