Susan Unruh

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Sue Unruh on July 17, 2024 at St Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. Sue was born June 19, 1950 in Chilliwack, BC, the youngest child of Isaak and Margaret Dyck. Sue is survived by her husband of 56 years, Hartmut, son Michael, daughters Jennifer St Jean and Debra Wilbrink, sister Margaret Warkentin, brother Hank, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many other members of her extended family.

Sue was predeceased by her parents, Isaak and Margaret, son Stephen, sister Tina, and brothers Richard and Peter.

Sue moved to Abbotsford upon her marriage and after several moves in their early lives together settled on the Sumas Prairie to begin a life of dairy farming. Sue worked hard on the farm and while it was difficult and often painstaking work, she loved her life and wouldn’t have traded it for the world. Together she and Hartmut built a life for their family. For Sue, family was the most important thing. Walking into her home you would first be struck by the sheer amount of photographs and mementos that crowded the walls and shelves of nearly every room. Oma, as she was lovingly called, would light up when the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren came to visit and loved to host family gatherings on a regular basis.

Sue was a member of Greendale First Mennonite (now River of Life Church) for her entire life and served on several committees during her time there. Sue’s life was deeply impacted by her faith and the love she found both in God and her church community. That love found its way into everything she said and did. She freely loved all who came into her path, often accepting people as family and immediately making them feel welcome. Sue never wanted anyone to feel like they didn’t belong. She made friends easily and could be found many mornings having coffee with her “group” at the Walmart McDonald’s in Abbotsford. An activity she dearly loved.

As a family, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the medical team at St Paul’s Hospital who gave mom every chance to live and who helped us through a very difficult time.

This is not goodbye, Oma, it is only see you soon.