Obituary of Susan Agnes Jackson

With sadness, we announce the passing of Susan “Sue” Jackson, 80, of Beamsville, on Saturday, February 18, 2023. 

Susan was born in Saskatoon on September 16, 1942 to Inez and Hugh Cawley. In her early years she was inseparable from her sister Grace who was just one year older, and her sister Janet, who arrived four years later. The family moved east, and eventually settled in Ottawa where she attended high school and studied English literature at Carleton University. She also studied at Covenant College, where she formed lifelong friendships with the “Covenant Girls” who  continued to correspond and meet regularly, last getting together to visit Sue in Beamsville 2022.

In 1965, Susan met Harold Atwell, and they married in Winnipeg on September 2nd, 1967. They moved to Trinidad, where their children Gordon, Kathryn, and Hugh were all born. Susan taught at Lakshmi Girls’ Hindu College and Hillview College throughout the 1970’s; she fully embraced life in Trinidad, studying literature at the University of the West Indies, teaching in the “learn to swim” program at Mt St Benedict, and actively participating in St. Saviours Anglican church.

Returning to Canada in the early 1980’s, Susan worked as the director of Christian education at Islington United Church in Toronto. She started the Single mum’s group - a group that remains active today - instigating many adventurous camping trips. She also resumed her pursuit of a degree in theology, graduating with a Master of Divinity and being ordained in 1987. She took up various pastoral charges, first in northern Alberta, then in Sarnia and the Niagara region.

Susan’s second marriage to Richard Jackson on April 25, 1992 added Cindy and Derek, as well as several adopted and foster children such as Liz and Randy, to the family circle. Susan and Richard retired to Albright Gardens in Beamsville, where they actively participated in various community and Church groups.

Susan was an avid reader and puzzler, and loved music of all kinds, especially choral music. She was an enthusiastic member of many different choirs throughout her life. She is remembered by her friends and family as someone ahead of her time, a champion of social justice, a woman of deep faith, and a thinker who challenged and inspired them - someone who passionately wanted to make the world a better place. While life threw Susan many challenges - especially in her final years - to the end she remained faithful, hopeful, courageous, and tenacious. Up until her final days she had her twinkly smile.

Susan is predeceased by her parents, sister Janet, and husband Richard. She is survived by her sister Grace, children, grandchildren, and many other relatives.

Her life will be celebrated at Trinity United Church, 4285 William Street in Beamsville at 10:30 am on Saturday, March 11. If so desired, in lieu of flowers please make a contribution to a charity of your choice in Susan’s name. Many thanks to all of you who were a part of Susan’s life.