Obituary for
Susan Joyce Kuzmak
March 10, 1962 – January 17, 2022
It is with great sadness, and heavy hearts, that we announce the sudden passing of Susan Joyce Kuzmak on January 17, 2022 at age 59. Susan was born on March 10, 1962 to Albert Kuzmak and Eva (nee Rice) in Fort Francis, Ontario.
In her younger years, Susan lived in various localities due to her Dad’s career with the Canadian Pacific Railway. Susan developed a lifelong fascination for trains, because of her father’s influence, and took any opportunity she had to travel by train.
After graduating high school in Yorkton, she moved to Saskatoon to pursue education at the University of Saskatchewan. After a few months, she realized University was not for her and she transitioned into the Accounting Program at Saskatoon Business College. Her leadership skills were put to use here when she became President of the Social Committee.
Her career path as an Executive Assistant, always with an accounting component, took her to Saskatoon, Calgary, Kelowna, Langenburg and then finally to Edmonton. For the last few years, she worked for the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Susan would gather new friends, many of them lifelong friends and chosen family, with every move and every job change. She was always looking for a way to keep in touch and lend a hand to help. She always made the effort to visit, to make phone dates, and to send special, thoughtful gifts to let the recipient know how much she cared.
Over the years, Susan developed a passion for genealogy. Not necessarily finding those in her family tree; but finding the land her ancestors farmed and standing on that land in her bare feet. It was important to her that she find her ancestors.
She was excited to attend the National Genealogical Society Conference in Florida and to research at the Family History Centre in Salt Lake City, Utah.
She embraced, wholeheartedly, the tradition of leaving a rock at each of the gravesites she visited. She loved road trips, winery tours, ghost stories, bed and breakfasts, meeting new people, and sharing stories. In 2019, a dream came true when she was able to travel to Scotland, England and Ireland. She dreamed of returning to Scotland again one day.
Susan was deeply saddened by the passing of her Mom on December 28, 2021. Shortly before her passing, she was able to spend time reading to her Dad, visiting with her brother and playing crib with them both. She treasured those moments. Her nephews were very important to her and she loved any opportunity to have them in for dinner or meet up with them for a visit.
Susan was predeceased by her mother, Eva, and her sister-in-law, Ann. She will be dearly missed by her father, Abe; her brother, Dave (and Margaret with Karoline/Jamie and Dominica/Josh); her nephews, John and Joel. She was also a chosen member of the Montieth family and will be greatly missed by Glen, Brenda, Alisha, Scott and Kara. Her many family and friends scattered across Canada will miss the light she was in their lives.
A Celebration of Susan’s Life will take place on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. at Park Memorial Reception Centre; refreshments will be served.
Per Alberta’s Restriction Exemption Program, be prepared to provide proof of Vaccinations for the Funeral Service (QR code along with valid ID if 18 or over), or proof of a negative rapid PCR COVID test taken within 72 hours of entry, or an original medical exemption letter.
Flowers are graciously accepted by the family or a donation in Susan’s honour to the National Genealogical Society, 6400 Arlington Blvd., Suite 810, Falls Church, VA 22042-2318 USA or at ngs@ngsgenealogy.org
Order Flowers
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Susan Joyce
Kuzmak 2022..
Décès pour la Ville: Edmonton, Province: Alberta