Susan Elaine Roberts

February 19, 1958 – October 24, 2020

Sue died peacefully on the morning of Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Dulcina Hospice in Calgary. With family members at her side, she slipped out of her sick body and into her glorious heavenly home. She is survived her siblings, Doug, Mary Morgan, Carol, Karen and David Roberts; as well as two sister-in-laws; seven nieces and nephews; and a large extended family. Sue was predeceased by her parents, John Carmen (J.C. “Carm”) and Gertrude Margaret Roberts (nee Ramsay); as well as her brother, John and nephew, Christopher Roberts.

 

Sue was a native Calgarian and lived all her 62 years in the city.  She attended Collingwood Elementary School, Senator Patrick Burns Junior High and graduated from William Aberhart High School in 1976.  Following graduation, Sue worked for over 40 years in customer service and retail related positions. Sue worked for J.C. Roberts Jewellers and during her time there completed certification through the Gemology Institute of America. 

 

Sue’s faith and church were significant to her life.  Her early years were spent in various groups and activities at First Baptist Church.  She enjoyed times at Gull Lake Camp. Later, as an adult, she attended and developed close friendships with members of Northmount Baptist Church.

 

Sue was gifted in establishing close friendship relationships, both long and shorter term. Whether with coworkers or people she met along the way, it didn’t matter if Sue knew you for 60 years or 60 days she was very adept at establishing deep lasting friendships. It was vital to Sue to know your name, and to find out about your family. She wanted to call you by name whether it was the next day or years after the initial meeting. Even in hospital and hospice at the end of her life it was important to Sue to call staff by name and be able to inquire about their family.  

 

Sue was the Roberts family historian. If you wanted to know the date of a particular event, a person’s connection to the Roberts/Ramsay family, or some location or place of family significance you could talk to Sue. She was also a woman of style! She loved picking out clothes and knew the right colors and combinations of what went together. In addition, Sue was a true animal lover from an early age. She enjoyed caring for the various pets that called the Roberts house home over the years.  Her interest in animals took her to work at the Calgary Zoo for a time. Ginger Beef, her beloved cat, was an important part of her life for 17 years. 

Sue was a caring and thoughtful person. She faithfully remembered important dates and events in the life of family and friends. These dates were celebrated by sending a card or a phone call, and later by voicemail or text messages.  Sue put the interests and concerns of others ahead of her own. This was evident even near the end of her life while in hospital and finally in hospice as she worried about family driving to come and see her, and their welfare in having meals and getting enough rest. In the last weeks of her life she frequently could be heard saying “I’m good” or “it’s good” as family may have seemed worried about her comfort or breathing.  She was continuing to reassure the people around her to the end.  The outpouring of love from family and friends supporting Sue through her difficult journey was so appreciated.

 

As a family we wish to express our sincere thanks to Dr. Stewart, his medical colleagues, the nurses and other care team members of unit 66 at the South Health Campus for their care during her hospitalization.  To Dr. Evans, his colleagues, the nursing staff, chaplain, social worker and others care team members at Dulcina Hospice our deepest and heartfelt appreciation for your kindness and wonderful care of Sue as she so bravely struggled against the cancer that brought her life to an early end.   Sue’s and our experience at Dulcina Hospice was amazing and we are very grateful.   Those who serve us in health care and end of life vocations are gifted, compassionate individuals who have earned our deep respect, care and appreciation.

A Service Celebrating Sue’s Life will take place at 1:30 pm Monday, November 9, 2020 at Northmount Baptist Church,  451 Northmount Dr. N.W. Calgary. At Sue's request please wear bright colors. Due to Covid 19 provincial guidelines there will not be a reception following the service.  The Celebration will be available to live stream at home should you prefer to watch online, https://youtu.be/57U7iYBHUWo    In lieu of flowers, a donation could be made to either the Calgary Humane Society (4455 110 Ave. S.E. Calgary AB.  T2C 2T7,  www.calgaryhumane.ca,  or Dulcina Hospice (110 Evanspark Manor N.W. Calgary AB T3P 0N4).