Susanne Marie (LeBlanc) McKay
1969-2020
Susanne Marie McKay of Oromocto, NB passed restfully in her sleep on
May 31,2020.
She will be remembered by family and close friends as someone who
couldn’t get enough of nature. She felt very strongly about
knowing and appreciating your own backyard. She could make a simple
hike into an adventure.
She leaves behind a loving husband, friend, outdoor enthusiast of over
30 years, Mark McKay, and her dedicated Scrabble competitor and card
shark daughter, Erin. Also, she is survived by her amazing parents,
Ralph and Laverne LeBlanc, in her lovely hometown of Nackawic, NB and
an incredible big brother Joe LeBlanc (Maryann) in Hamilton, ON. There
are several wonderful nieces and nephews, and second-to-none in-laws,
Garnet and Dianne McKay, Lincoln, NB; a sister-in-law, Corinna
Peshkopia, New Jersey, USA and a brother-in-law, Stephen McKay,
Fredericton, NB; and her very best friend, Judy Kavanaugh. And, of
course, her loyal pal Winston.
Susanne was born at the old hospital in Fredericton, NB on Saint
Patrick’s day in 1969. She has been rewarded with supportive
colleagues and long time friendships during a spanning 30 year
teaching career at Sus Middle and OHS, under the wise guidance of
Andrew and Arnold Hopper. Working with at-risk was, by far, one of her
most rewarding assignments. At OHS, she took on a challenging resource
position, then moved into teaching English, sociology and finally
co-creating SELS with Judy Kavanaugh to help students struggling with
anxiety and depression. She credits David McTimothy as being the best
servant leader she ever had the honor of working with, exhibiting
wisdom beyond his years. Those teaching friendships remained strong,
valued and vital. Her fun times with the Sus gals at subject
council always recharged the batteries. There remains much work to be
done-especially with our First Nation’s and gifted students.
A funeral service will be held at a later date.
Donations can be made to the “Stay Strong Program” through
the Chalmers Foundation (make cheques payable to the Chalmers
Foundation). This YMCA group is a saving grace to those trying to
rebuild strength during and post treatments. Hospice Fredericton is
also an incredible organization, offering a safe haven of comfort to
families and patients during end of life care.
Arrangements by Flewelling Funeral Home, Nackawic, NB.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Susanne Marie LeBlanc McKay 19692020..
Death notice for the town of: Nackawic, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
The best, most loving, and understanding English teacher I’ve ever had, even though it was only for one semester. Her class was one I looked forward to every school day. She could create a warm, loving, and empathetic safe space within that cold cinder block room. She radiated compassion, generosity, empathy, and understanding with sincerity. I cannot remember the books we read or the assignments, but I do remember the invaluable lessons she taught us each and every day. To be kind to each other, treat everyone with respect, and always keep in mind that others around us may be facing battles we know nothing about. She taught us kindness, integrity, and benevolence and to love ourselves as she loved us.
I am so sorry for the loss to all her family, friends, and loved ones. She will be greatly missed but live on in the kindness she infused in her students and others.