Susan Ann MacDonald

Encouraged by the love of her life, Wayne, until his own untimely passing, Susan showed us all the face

of courage after her devastating diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer’s. We will be forever grateful for her

example of acceptance and grace.

Susan was born in Halifax to the late Jean and Albert MacDonald. She was the eldest daughter in a large,

active family. Her early school years were spent in Halifax where she was an enthusiastic sportswoman

playing basketball and tennis, plus swimming and sunning at the Waeg. She then attended Acadia

University earning her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees. Susan was a proud and

loyal alumnus. Subsequently, she received her Masters of Education degree from Mount Saint Vincent

University. Susan enjoyed a long and dynamic teaching career firstly at Grosvenor Wentworth and finally

at Westmount School in Halifax. Each of her students touched her heart and mind. She cherished her

time in the classroom and she taught with passion and a true love of learning. Susan’s smile was infectious and her laughter rocked the room at every gathering. Her stories never got old - they were told with thesame energy each and every time. Her love of music and all things musical remained with her throughout her lifetime. She loved the out-of-doors and spent many happy hours playing tennis, gardening, golfing, hiking, kayaking and camping. She could often be seen walking in her neighbourhood, earphones on, and a determined spring to her step. Susan spent many happy holidays visiting the ancestral family home at 32 Memory Lane, Gabarus, Cape Breton where she could be found at Duncan’s sugar-shack or taking in a ‘time’ at the community hall. In her final years at Drummond Hall, through Susan, the joy and benefits of music therapy delivered by Laura Greenwood enhanced the lives of her and her fellow “Fiddle Friends”.

Susan was predeceased by her husband Wayne Marryatt. She is survived by her children Matthew and

Timothy (Leanna) Percy and her grandchildren, Presley and Tucker Percy. She leaves her brothers

Douglas (Paula) and Ian and her sisters Beth, Mary (Tim Witoski) and Barbara. Her nieces and nephew

are also missing their much-loved Super Sue: Meaghan (Michael Sim) and their children Avery and Rhys,

Peter (Kristi) MacDonald, Katelynn Pickel-MacDonald, Mary Dan and Lindsay Johnston and Meredith

and Sydney Witoski. Susan is survived, as well, by her maternal Aunt Helen Fredericks and family. She is

also survived by Wayne’s sisters Wendy (Ross) Mathers and Karen (Ken) MacDonald and their families.

A memorial service will be held at on Wednesday August 4th at 11am in St. Andrew's United Church, 6036 Coburg Rd, Halifax.

For those who wish, donations may be made to the Molly Appeal for Alzheimer’s research at

Dalhousie University. At this time, the family would like to acknowledge the support of Colleen Walker

and Colleen McKenna and their inspirational teams at Drummond Hall, Parkland Enhanced Care. We

would also like to acknowledge Dr. Sophie Couture for her wise counsel and unfailing guidance. The

family owes a debt of gratitude to Susan’s good friend Kathi Vinson for her visits and attention to Susan.

May Susan’s life continue to be a blessing to us all.