Susan Jean Benham Rickards
1937-2022
Susan Jean Benham Rickards … ONB, QEII Platinum Medal
Sue passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on November 23, 2022.
She is survived by her pillar, Jeremy Rickards and her beloved
daughters and step-daughters, Karen Harpp (Dennis Geist), Emily
Harpp-Meulbroek (Peter Meulbroek), Tracey Rickards (Carla Rasmussen),
Hilary Rickards (Chris Babcock), Natasha Rickards (David Mercer) as
well as the world’s finest grandchildren, Zeke and Odessa
Meulbroek, Kelly, Jeremy, Edward and Hilary Costello, Otillia Anne and
Bridget Mclaughlin.
Throughout her life, Sue was inspired by her grandfather to pursue her
lifelong calling of giving to and helping those in need.
After raising her children and teaching high school in St. Lambert,
Quebec, she moved to Lower Queensbury with Jeremy, to the old Hood
house on the hill. The house witnessed many vicious and delicious
Hearts games and award-winning video productions. The pups who lived
there were adored and doted upon by (almost) everyone.
Sue’s unerring moral compass guided her through several highly
successful and impactful careers. Sue was a teacher, educational
innovator, mentor, an outreach worker, a government hack, community
organizer, advocate, activists, highly respected newspaper columnist,
mother, neighbour, and friend to all.
One of Sue’s mottoes in life was “Don’t do anything
I wouldn’t do” which pretty much sums up her entire
philosophy, and leaves everyone who loves her wide open in their life
choices.
Sue was an advocate for people’s potential in her endless
pursuit of justice for the underdog. To quote one of her many students
“She let everybody do something, no matter how small.” Sue
loved them all.
She never did actually retire.
At Sue’s request we ask for privacy for the family at this time.
No services will be held.
In lieu of flowers please do as Sue would do and give generously to
the charity of your choice.
www.flewellingswan.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Susan Jean Benham Rickards 19372022..
Death notice for the town of: Nackawic, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick