Susan Loraine Potzold née Holowaychuk

We are heartbroken at the sudden loss of our beloved Susan, who passed away on January 16, 2025, in her cherished "sunshine" oceanside home in White Rock, BC.  Born under the vast Alberta skies in Lac La Biche, Susan’s life was full of love, passion, and community service. 

Susan's legacy lives on through her soulmate of 52 years, Kris Potzold; her loving children, Christie Graham (Sean) and Allan Potzold (Myanne); her adored grandchildren Aurora, Nena, Nova, Lila, and Veya. She is also survived by siblings Joyce, Gary, Randy, Ted, and Corinne. Susan was predeceased by her loving sister Sonja, brother-in-law Brian, brother Raymond, and parents Rose and George. 

Proud of her Ukrainian heritage, Susan's roots ran deep in Alberta soil, where her pioneering grandparents homesteaded in Royal Park and Two Hills.  An extrovert with a gregarious spirit, Susan never missed an opportunity to explore family connections. 

At 17, Susan moved to White Rock, where her family owned and ran the historic Tudor Inn on the Canada/US border.  After graduating from Semiahmoo High School, she pursued her calling in education, earning her B.Ed. from UBC. 

Fate intervened in 1971 when Susan's eyes met Kris's across The Westin Bayshore Hotel Ballroom in Vancouver.  Their love story, sealed in marriage in Kitchener, Ontario in 1972, blossomed with the arrival of their children in 1976 and 1978.  Together, Susan and Kris formed an unbreakable bond, weathering life's storms and basking in its joys as one. 

A dedicated educator for over 35 years, Susan began her career at Burnaby High and later taught in Kitchener.  She also served as BC Teachers Federation Negotiating Representative, where her gift for public-speaking and advocacy, and her passion for fairness and equality, shone brightly. 

In 1990, the family returned to White Rock, fulfilling Susan's dream of seaside living.  She continued her teaching career and championed environmental conservation and sustainable urban development.  Susan's green thumb, certified by her master gardener designation from VanDusen Gardens, transformed her own home into an award-winning oasis recognized as "Garden of the Week."  Her beautiful homegrown bouquets became tokens of joy, brightening the days of friends, family and countless others. 

Susan, an avid traveler, accompanied her daughter on international adventures and visited her son in his various homes. She cherished family trips - from Mexico vacations to camping where she revealed in nature’s wonders alongside her loved ones. 

In her golden years, Susan full-heartedly embraced her most treasured role as grandmother.  She poured her boundless energy into creating magical moments: making perfume from rose petals, reading stories, knitting, selecting rescue kittens, and teaching her granddaughters how to make their favourite Borscht, sharing pots of her cooking delights each brimming with love. 

Susan's sudden departure leaves an immense void in our hearts. Yet, her indomitable spirit, unwavering love, and zest for life will forever inspire those who knew her. We will see her in the sunrise, the stars, the birds, and the vibrant flowers she planted which will continue to bloom in her beloved garden and our hearts - a living testament to her nurturing soul. 

Honouring Susan's wishes, her life will be celebrated privately with family in a beautiful oceanside garden, where the whisper of waves, warmth of the sun, and fragrance of flowers will remind us of her enduring presence. 

The family invites kindness and caring in Susan’s memory, encouraging others to use their unique talents to continue her legacy of making the world a brighter and more just place.