It is with extreme sadness that we announce that Susan Elizabeth Kitchener (nee Dunbar) left us, suddenly and unexpectedly, on Thursday, March 11th, 2021 in Sudbury, Ontario. Born May 12th, 1937 in Sudbury, Susan was a proud resident of Copper Cliff, but spent the second half of her life in Toronto before retiring and returning to Sudbury. Susan is predeceased by her loving parents Donald Miller Dunbar and Gwendolyn Iolene La Branche.
She is survived by her long-time companion and partner, Mark MacWilliam, her brother, Don (Catherine), five brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law, sixteen dearly loved and wonderful nephews and nieces, and her many devoted friends.
Her distinguished lifetime achievements were numerous. She graduated with honors from the International Relations and Slavic History Program at McGill University. Her postgraduate studies in Fine Arts were at the Franzen Josef Universitat in Austria. She actively facilitated the development of landmark legislation for the Peterson government on the rights of the disability community that would transform the landscape of Ontario and which to this day, continues to positively impact the lives of thousands of Ontarians. As a long-time serving member of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, her decisions often contributed to advancing the law and setting new precedents. She was less motivated by her drive and ambition than by her human warmth and fierce desire to effect positive change, overcome inequalities, and strengthen the social contract. Even the car accident she had in her late teens only contributed to strengthening her resolve. She worked in politics and government both at the provincial and federal level as a means to effect change. During her career, Radio Canada International took her on as a writer, producer and director and produced a series of documentaries showcasing Canada in its social, artistic and other dimensions, which were translated in multiple languages and distributed throughout the world. All of those experiences and achievements have left their mark on Canada’s political landscape and were the inspiration for incredible stories and wonderful dinner conversations. She took immense joy in art - she has a painting or two
in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Canada. She also truly enjoyed
food, music and sunsets at camp. Her keen sense of beauty, her unending curiosity, and her warm and welcoming disposition will be forever missed.
In accordance with her wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Jackson & Barnard Funeral Home. For donations or messages of condolence www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com.
Oh my friend
my dear dear friend
You are the sun
That warms me
The breeze that soothes me
The sea that brings
Ripples of magic to my soul
