Susan Anne TORNAI

It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mom, Susan Anne Tornai.  She passed away peacefully on May 3, 2022 with all three of her children by her side as she took her last breaths. 

Susan was born to the late Annie & Joesph Quinn in her Aunt Mary’s home in Banagher, County Offlay, Ireland on November 6, 1943.  She is survived by her 3 children, Stephen Tornai and his partner Julie Tilburt,, Michelle Tornai and her partner Peter Meyer, and Kellie Tornai; her beloved grandchildren, Royce Whittaker, Matthew Whittaker, Brendan Tornai and Meabh (Amanda) Tornai.  She is also survived by her brother, Marty Quinn and sister-in-law Teresa Quinn of Belfast, Ireland, their 2 grown children, Sonya Quinn-Joyce and Marty Quinn and their families; her brother, Joe Quinn and his 2 children Tracey and Martin and their families; her niece, Jaclyn, and nephew, Marc of her predeceased loving brother Noel Quinn.

Susan was a vibrant and beautifully strong woman. She grew up in Belfast, Ireland and left her homeland when she was just 17 years old. She traveled to Canada via boat and rail to finally end up in Dawson Creek, BC  where she secured a job as a telephone operator.  She was very brave and strong to travel so far and start a new life for herself in 1960. Susan fell in love with our father, Steve Tornai in Dawson Creek, and they moved to Vancouver and started a family.

Susan was a devoted wife and mother.  Beautiful, exuberant, fun, and so full of life are only a few words to describe her. She was our protector, and we were always her priority no matter what.  She was a stay-at-home mom until Kellie entered grade 1.  Mom loved fashion and was a fashionista in her younger days.  I remember being in awe of her when she would get dressed to go out.  She was gorgeous and always had the most beautiful dresses and outfits.  Mom made sure to always have all 3 of us decked out in beautiful outfits from the time we were just babies. I look at pictures now and wonder how she did it all.  

She started her career with at the time BC Hydro which is now Trans Link.  She moved into various positions within the company. One of those was security on the sea bus and we were always a little worried about her doing that job. She was tough and handled herself very well.

At the age of 37, mom found herself as a single mother. Always our protector and so hard working, she worked Monday to Friday and took up a part time position on weekends with her good friend Laura Singletary at her long term care home.  She always provided us with everything we needed and did everything she could to give us a beautiful life.  Mom loved to cook and always brought us together with family meals. Her meals were always the best and no one will ever top her gravy! She loved to enjoy good meals too!  Some of her favorites was Chinese food and a fresh crab feast. She loved to sing and dance, and we had many a dance parties. Mom loved the outdoors and spent lots of time on her boat fishing and even taught my boys how to fish.  She was vivacious and elegant, and you always knew where you stood with her. 

She loved and adored all 4 of her grandchildren and always made special time with them growing up.  There are so many great memories she has left with them. Family was always a priority, and she traveled many times back to Ireland to spend time with her family. I was so grateful to have traveled back with mom in 2019 before Covid and all the travel restrictions.  Although her health was poor, we were able to unite with family and I learnt so much about my mom on that trip. The connection to our families overseas is profound to this day because of the impact she made on us all.

She finished her 26-year career at Trans Link in the lost property office with her dear friend Judy Rabb.  They had so much fun working together but it was time for her to retire. Unfortunately, her health started to get the best of her.  She suffered from Diabetes and congestive heart failure and most recently was diagnosed with lung cancer. Her strength and perseverance were beyond a doubt amazing.  She was a true fighting Irish woman.  No matter what turn her health took over the last 10 plus years mom always pushed on and fought through her difficulties.  She was the strongest woman I have ever known. 

Susan spent the last 2 months at Trillium Hospice in Parksville.  I can’t say enough about the amazing nurses and volunteer staff. They went above and beyond any expectations we had as a family for mom’s care at the end of her life.  We thank them from the bottom of our hearts.  We are so grateful for their compassion and care over the last 2 months. 

Mom’s wishes were to have her ashes brought back to Ireland.  She would like her final resting place to be in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland with her Grandmother Susan Quinn, her Grandfather Matthew Quinn, and her Aunt Nancy.  We will be bringing her back to Ireland later this year.

Susan will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. Our world changed on May 3, 2022, and it will never be the same.