Obituary of Susan Kilbourne

SUSAN LOWE KILBOURNE June 25, 1935 - June 19, 2015 Susan passed away peacefully at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto on Friday, June 19, just shy of her 80th birthday. She fought her COPD with the same determination, strength, humour and grace she was known for, but sadly succumbed to her illness. Susan was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of James Rowland Lowe and Elizabeth Blodgett. A graduate of Briarcliff College, Susan was presented to Washington, D.C. society as a stunning and vivacious debutante in 1953. She was a long time member of the Junior League chapter in Washington, D.C. She had a love for dance, theatre and charitable service, which continued when she immigrated to Toronto in 1968. Susan continued as an active committee member of the Junior League, the IODE and the Clarke institute (CAM-H) where she was awarded distinctions for her service. The light of her life were her three children and eight grandchildren, William (Lynn Wolverton) and their children Liam and Ashlyn, daughter Laura, and her children Hunter, Race and Paris, and Thomas (Carolyn Douglas) and their children Ryan, Honor and Emma. Raising her children at her beloved home on Doncliffe Drive, Susan never forgot her American roots. She summered at her home in Bass River, Cape Cod, where she was free to indulge in her deep love for the ocean, sailing, clam rolls, lobster dinners, poker nights and unforgettable beach bonfires. Susan will be dearly missed, especially by her brother, James Lowe of Washington, D.C. who rarely missed a day of making each other laugh on the phone. Her sharp wit, unfailing hospitality, and lifelong friendships both in the United States and Canada were hallmarks of her spectacular life. A special thank you to her long-term caregiver Edgardo Deleon who gave 25 years of devoted service and care. The family also wishes to acknowledge and thank the exemplary staff at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre where Susan was treated over the past months with respect and compassion. A celebration of Susan's unforgettable life will be held on July 23rd from 4-6 p.m. at the Rosedale Golf Club, 1901 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto. A private service will follow in August at the family mausoleum in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Condolences and memoires may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.