Susan Jane Oliver

A Lovely Person

Susan (Marshall) has joined her devoted late husband John by the celestial fireside. She is sorely missed by her children David (& Leslee) of Kingston, Christy (Bruce Howell), Marni (Pierre Sirois) and Pam of Ottawa. Proud and loving Grandma to Spencer, Morgan and Warren Oliver, Dana, Madeline, and Simon Howell, Xander, Jacqueline and Julian Sirois and Mick Pratt, and precious and precocious great-grandchildren Fenna, Skylar, Heidi and Emery. Also survived by her loving sister Christy Korhonnen, sisters-in-law Ada Scott and Joyce Marshall, and nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brother Noel and brother-in-law Hugh.

Susie was born and raised in Toronto by her parents David and Margaret (Beaton) Marshall and grandparents Alexander and Mary (Rogers) Beaton, with summers at Shanty Bay. A sharp-shooting basketball star at Branksome Hall, she later graduated from the University of Toronto's Physical and Occupational Therapy program. In her youth she was wooed by some hopeful, upstanding but ultimately spurned suitors prior to meeting John at the Grant Hall Tea Dance at Queen's University the day following Hurricane Hazel. Although wary of the reputation of Queen's engineers, she fell for him one cold night by the fireplace, henceforth accepting and often rewarding his adoring regard. Following her graduate work term in Halifax, they married in 1956 and she moved to Ottawa, taking a position at a rehabilitation centre of the Civic Hospital until 1959 when her focus moved to attend to her household on Kenwood Avenue. Until recently she was active, playing tennis, golfing, gardening, dining and travelling with a close circle of friends. An enthusiastic patron of the arts and fashion, Susan enjoyed a joyful social life and puttin' on the Ritz. This extended to the cottage at Christie Lake, where adorned in muumuus or cozy velour, she treasured family and social gatherings, swimming, sunsets and the fireplace.

She appreciated the finer things in life. Descendant from both Niall of the Nine Hostages and one of the four Mary's/ladies-in-waiting to Mary Queen of Scots, she enjoyed British historical novels, detective serials, humour, soap and gin. She also had a soft spot for aperitifs from Madeira and a gift for occasion, never missing an opportunity to send a timely greeting, thank you note or to call a loved one 'Darling'. In her children and grandchildren she instilled the importance of consideration, order, propriety and manners. By example and pleasant persistence, she lovingly invested in civility. We are grateful for this legacy, it is a gift that keeps on giving.

Over the past few years Sue accepted the changes in her life and health with grace, and we are grateful for her spirit and the opportunity to love and care for her with the greatest efforts of Dr. Saar and the caring staff at Park Place. Draw nearer Sue, the fire is warm.

Visitation will be held May 21st, 2026 at Tubman Funeral Homes, Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Road, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Funeral service will be Friday, May 22, 2:00pm with a reception to follow. 

Donations to the Christie Lake Kids are encouraged in lieu of flowers.