October 30, 1941 – March 24, 2021
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elspeth Anne “Susie” Haughton on March 24th, at the age of 79, with her family by her side.
Susie leaves behind her daughters Leah (Rod) Erichuk, Thea Holden (Bill Hender), her cherished grandchildren Taylor, Breckin, Conlin, and Hailie and her sister Shirley Bishop.
She is predeceased by her parents, William and Edna Normand, and her brother William (Bill) Normand.
Susie was born and raised in Kamloops. She attended Kam High and graduated in 1959. She then went on to Secretarial School at Mount Royal College in 1960-61. Her career included positions at Marion Hilliard House, the Burris Clinic, and from 1980 to 2002, School District #73. Susie worked as a steno at the School Board Office, Valleyview Secondary, and to end her 22-year career, at Sahali Secondary.
Growing up, Mom enjoyed figure skating and participated in many productions with her skating club over the years. This love of figure skating carried on for her entire life. She loved watching the sport and was always very biased towards the Canadian performances. A highlight for her was attending the World Figure Skating Championships in Vancouver in 2001.
Susie was also an accomplished piano player and played the flute in her high school band. She also loved spending time at Lac Des Roches in the summertime with her childhood friend Mary Ellen.
Susie loved horses. Growing up on Nicola Street, didn’t allow for horses however she never stopped wishing. Fortunately, her dream came true when she acquired a horse named Kitten. It wasn’t long before it became clear that owning more horses would soon follow. As her family grew, they moved to an acreage in Knutsford where they bred and raised Quarter Horses. Many weekends were spent traveling to horse shows to watch their stallion compete on the AQHA circuit, and then later on to watch and support the girls as they showed their horses all over BC. Susie was a member of the Kamloops and District Light Horse Club, 4-H Senior Council, and Leader of the Top Rail 4-H Horse Club.
Mom also loved cats. Her house with never without one or two and the barn was often a refuge for rescues or strays. Her beloved cat Zoe was her constant companion.
Susie was a proud member of PEO – Chapter AT for almost 57 years. The generosity, kindness, and commitment this group has not only to each other, but to the women of this community, is unwavering and my mom loved spending time working, learning, and laughing with her PEO “sisters”.
Mom was a Social Butterfly. Dinners out, Saturday morning coffee, October Birthday Club, PEO or 4-H events, Knutsford Stitch group, Grad Reunions, or volunteering somewhere, Susie was never still for long. She loved to help others and treasured all the many friends she made along the way. Susie was also a Kamloops Blazers Season Ticket Holder for over 30 years. She rarely missed a game and enjoyed going to the rink with her hockey crew.
Susie was also an amazing Nana to her grandkids. Her love for them was endless and she could usually be found cheering them on at a sporting event or taking them on an adventure somewhere.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dickinson for his dedication and kindness, Sandi for being there whenever we needed you, Stella and Heather for your regular visits, the nurses at Hospice House who made her final days comfortable, and to all her friends who loved, supported and cared for her.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Parkinson Society BC.
A private graveside service will be held at Hillside Cemetery for the family and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Offer Condolence for the family of Elspeth Anne “Susie” Haughton (Normand) 1941 – 2021
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Elspeth Anne “Susie Haughton Normand 1941 –..
Death notice for the town of: Kamloops, Province: Colombie britanique
Susie was always fun to be with. Always positive , always showing sincere interest in others. A loyal and true friend. She will be missed and fondly remembered. Sincere condolences to her daughters and their families as well as to her many, many friends.