Susan Harvey

On November 8th, 2022, at the age of eighty-eight, our mom, Susan Harvey passed away peacefully at Lakeview Manor in Beaverton, Ontario. Susan is predeceased by her older brother Stan and her twin sister Nancy. She will be remembered with great love by her four daughters, Susan Krentz (Stu Scott, deceased), Lynn Ironside (Tom), Stacey Landl (John), and Toni Vary (Bob), as well as her nephews Mike and Malcolm and her nieces Terry and Tracy. Susan was very proud to be Gran to sixteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Born in the early hours on September 14th, 1934, Susan spent her childhood and teenage years in Stockton-on-Tees, England. Living in town during the war years, Susan didn’t travel too far from home, but she and her sister loved to go swimming and enjoyed playing in a nearby park. As they got a little older, they joined a local youth club and would go dancing as often as they could. A new chapter started for Susan in October 1951 when she met a young Dutch seaman named Henk Plooy. Married on March 3rd, 1952, Susan and Henk moved to Vlaardingen, Holland for the first few years of their marriage before returning to England and settling into farm life in the north. Looking back on those early years, we were blessed to have a mom who loved the outdoors, accompanying her children and the dogs on long walks in the moors.

In 1967 our family immigrated to Canada. Susan and Henk divorced in 1975. Susan remarried twice, first to Morley Scott, and then to Roy Harvey, with whom she shared an adoring and adventurous life until his death in 2003. Susan loved ballroom dancing, and day trips exploring country roads was also a favourite pastime. She and Roy greatly enjoyed their many winters spent in Florida near the ocean.

Although Susan experienced a debilitating stroke in 2010, she always strived to find enjoyment in her daily life and especially continued to enjoy her time with her family. She also made new friends among the staff at Lakeview Manor, and we are so grateful for their gentle and compassionate care these past years.

Susan loved to bake, and we all still prepare recipes that she shared with us. Sewing was a favourite pastime, and Susan spent much of her time ensuring that her girls wore pretty homemade dresses. Susan taught herself how to knit and her grandchildren benefited from this hobby, as she made them many decorative sweaters over the years. She was an avid reader with a love of a good mystery, and even in her final days she loved listening to music performed by her favourite tenors. She proudly cheered for Newcastle United.

Susan will be remembered for her great sense of humour and (sometimes stubborn) independence. She lived simply and kindly, deeply valuing conversations and time spent with her family. We will always treasure the memories of our mom.

According to Susan’s wishes there will be no funeral service. In her honour, please toast Susan with a strong cup of tea (her favourite drink) or a glass of scotch (another favourite).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ThompsonFH-Aurora.com for the Harvey family.