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Susan Richards Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce Susan’s sudden passing on November 27, 2023. Born in Chapeltown, England in 1947, Susan moved with her parents, sister and brother to Canada in 1967. She and Leslie met at the University of Guelph where they both worked as graphic designers. They bought an 1874 one-room schoolhouse in Dorking, Ontario and designed it together; the incredible oak spiral staircase in the centre of the main room is a testament to their combined passion and vision. After careers at the University of Guelph and Canfarm, Susan continued to take on various creative projects when Morgan and Evan arrived. She worked at the Stratford Festival from 1997-2013 in the Wardrobe and Bijoux departments and was offered a design lead on their 2010 production of Evita. She was requested by designers, who recognized her incredible talents.
It seemed like there was nothing Susan couldn’t do:
She and Leslie created two graphic design companies: Pumpkin Tree Design and Richards Associates; she nourished family and friends with her amazing cooking; she could sit down at the piano and create the most beautiful original music; she designed and made incredible stained glass pieces, always choosing the most perfect pieces of glass; she loved sewing – she made her own and later Stephanie’s wedding dresses; she researched her family history – leaving a rich legacy of who we are and where we came from; she had strong opinions and sense of justice – changing the speed limit in Dorking is just one example!
Leslie and Susan were fortunate to enjoy travelling over the years to such places as Thailand, Egypt, China, and Cambodia. In Egypt, Susan so enjoyed flying in a glider and was thrilled when Evan took her up in a plane years later.
Since 2016, Susan was looked after at home by Leslie when she was diagnosed with dementia. This gift of keeping her at home allowed the family to breathe easier – thank you, Dad, for your unwavering love and support of Mums. Thank you also to Vera and Viola, neighbours who took on PSW roles and cared so well for our Mum.
The family wishes to thank Knollcrest Lodge for the excellent care they provided for Susan in the short time she was there.
Susan was predeceased by her parents, Audrey and Arthur Jones, and her grandson, Austin.
Suz is deeply loved and missed by her husband, Leslie. Her children will miss their Mumsy: Stephanie Niescier (nee Richards) (Ted), Morgan Richards and Evan Richards (Teresa); her grandchildren will miss their Nana: Seth, Mark, Fiona, Noah, Olivia and Cole.
She is dearly missed by her sister Marilyn Fairfull (Wayne) and brother Richard Jones (Rebecca), sister and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. A community of friends and colleagues near and far mourn her loss.
Cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 2:00-5:00 pm in The Spriet Lounge at the Tom Patterson Theatre in Stratford. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Susan was an oak tree in our lives: strong, wise, resilient, and determined. She loved her family deeply, “more than words can tell”.
Forever, Suz. Always, Mums. God Bless, Nanny. We love you so much.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Susan, please
visit our floral store.
April 2 1947
November 27 2023
Death notice for the town of: Stratford, Province: Ontario
death notice Susan Margaret Allerston Richards April 2 1947
November 27 2023
obituaries notice Susan Margaret Allerston Richards April 2 1947
November 27 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Susan Margaret Allerston Richards April 2 1947
November 27 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
