Mrs. Susan Barkley

On March 15 , 2020, Ethel Susanna Barkley, loving wife and mother passed away at age 86. Susan was born June 15, 1933 in Kapuskasing, Ontario, to Thomas and Eileen Clare.

On March 31, 1951, she married George Simpson Barkley and they raised three sons and a daughter, Bruce (Carolyn)Scott, Geoffrey (Anne) and Nancy (Byron). She was preceded in death by her younger brother, Thomas Clare, and she is survived by her husband George, their four children and their spouses, and ten grandchildren and one great grandchild

Susan was a strong woman who was a passionate advocate for children and welcomed several foster children into their home, when their own children were young. She worked with the Children’s Aid Society in setting up specialized foster homes.

She and George also lived and worked in Nigeria for 2 years and that spawned a deep interest in African culture, arts and textiles.

Upon returning to Toronto, Susan and George and a partner opened a gallery called “The Best of Africa”,

featuring a variety of art forms conceived by African artists.

She and George also shared a passion for travel which took them to 16 countries over the years.

Susan was beloved by her family and grandchildren, who referred to their grandparents as G&G – a team in unison!

She and George provided, promoted and organized annual family gatherings and vacations that also included aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and friends and these memories are fondly recalled by all.

Private funeral on April 1, 2020 at Rosar-Morrison. Memorial service, internment and reception to celebrate her life to be arranged at a later date due to COVID.

Donations in her memory can be made to the MS Society.