Susan Brennan-Ryan
Sue Ryan
1946-07-07 – 2021-09-15
Sue Brennan-Ryan was a seeker and a curious soul throughout her entire life who will be greatly missed by her family, dear friends and fellow travellers. She passed away quietly at Emmanuel House Hospice in Hamilton on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. Pre-deceased by her husband Steve (2012) and eldest son Matthew (2016) and survived by daughter Katie (Steve), son David (Melissa), daughter-in-law Beth Sorbara and granddaughters Angelina and Emily. She is also survived by her sister Ann (Brian), brother Mike (Donna), nephew Brendan and nieces Shannon, Erin and Sara. Sue was born and grew up in Sudbury. Nursing brought her to Montreal and Toronto before a permanent move to Hamilton in the early 1970’s. She enjoyed a long, rewarding career in psychiatric nursing while raising her family in Westdale. The following chapters of Sue’s journey were filled with the practice of Theravada Buddhism. For 25 years she studied, meditated and attended retreats near and far. Sue was closely involved with and very much appreciated her connection with Satipanna Insight Meditation Toronto, particularly in the last two years of her illness. She wished to thank the staff at Emmanuel House for all their care and comfort during her time at the hospice this summer. “Life is so very difficult, how can we be anything but kind?” -Gautama Buddha
Sue was a kind, and thoughtful person. I am grateful that we knew each other through the Unitarian Church
Pat Oertel
I would like to express my sincere condolences to all the family especially to you, David and Katie. I was so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. I knew Sue when our two sons played together as youngsters. We were neighbours on Arkell Street as well as fellow Unitarians at our local UU church. I remember Sue as a strong individual and a caring person with a love of life and a yen to learn. My heart goes out to all of you at this sad time of remembrance and loss.
Katie and David and family,
My heart and thoughts are with you all on the passing of your dear mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. Sue and I met at MUMC in the days when people worked through their lunch hours. We were rebels of a sort by meeting up for lunch in the cafeteria with others, somehow knowing that if we took care of ourselves we would be better able to take care of others. There were always sharing and laughter! We kept in touch for awhile after the birth of my first child who happened to have colic. I will be forever grateful for Sue and Steve taking our dear crying daughter for a few hours to give us a break and picture them with big smiles on their faces. As we went our separate ways I had the good fortune to meet up with Sue on Locke Street, catching up with our lives. Our conversations were always meaningful. She was a compassionate loving soul! Rest easy dear Sue. Love to you all, Catherine
Oh Sue….what a wonderful gift you were in my life. You were my very first friend when I moved to Hamilton and into your building. We did every movie theatre in town with the Westdale and the Playhouse being among our favorites. We did Mirvish and TIFF in Toronto and Theatre Aquarius here in Hamilton. You were always up for anything and often on a moment’s notice. Thanks for all the good times. And thank you for the wisdom and compassion that you’ve always extended to me over the years. I learned so much from your straight forward approach to life and the good humor with which you would nudge me through an issue. I miss you terribly Sue. We have lost an extraordinary women.
Life is like book: some chapters are sad, some are happy and some exciting, but if you never turn the page , you will never know what the next chapter holds.
Sue and I worked together in the mental health field. We enjoyed learning new skills, laughing and sharing experiences together.
As a mother, sister, grandmother and friend she will be missed.
Sue I hope the next journey toward enlightenment will be filled with wonder and peace.
Life is like a book..some times sad,some times happy and some times exciting. But is you never turn the page you will never know what the next chapter holds.
Sue was a page turner and may her next journey be a successful one. We worked and laughed together even enjoyed nights at the opera
Your mother, sister and grandmother was wonderful person who will be missed.
My deepest condolences in reading of Sue’s passing. I got to know Sue and Steve a number of years ago when they lived in Westdale. It was always fun to run into Sue in the locke village area where we both lived. My prayers and thoughts are with Sue’s family and friends, we’ve lost a good soul.
Colette Cooper
My sincerest condolences in the passing of Sue. I had the pleasure f working with Sue
At McMaster where we both work in the out patient mental health clinic 3G back in the 1970s . She has made major differences in people’s live and certainly leaves footprints of a journey well taken. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you Rest In Peace
Ron