BISHOP, Susan O.

June 8, 1947 — March 21, 2016

In Memory Of

 Susan (Suzie) Bishop June 8, 1947 – March 21, 2016

A year ago we lost you and the void left behind grows more each day. You were the sunshine in our family and brought such a joy to our hearts that none of us could ever duplicate. We miss your smile, the sparkle in your eye and that laugh which could fill a room with its joy. Your life was not about wealth or material possessions; your success was about how you touched people with your warmth, gentleness and fun loving spirit. Your family was the greatest beneficiary of who you were because you loved each of us unconditionally. A beautiful wife, loving mother and adoring grandma…we loved you then, love you now and will love you forever. Bryan, Steve (Elizabeth), Jeff and Anthony

In Memory of My Princess

A year has passed since you went away

What I wouldn’t give for one more day

To hold you in my arms so tight

And comfort you through the long, dark night.

Your voice would make my heart sing

You were and are my everything

To see your smile as I awake

Not too much to ask, for goodness sake.

Two hearts, two lives that grew into one

I’m so much less now that you’re gone

Pain they say over time subsides

But nothing can fill my empty insides.

Each day I see your smiling face

Recalling the love in your warm embrace.

You were the sunshine in my life

Blessed man was I to have you as my wife.

I loved you from the very start

One glance was all and you stole my heart.

My love grew stronger as years went by

And I promise you… it will never, ever die.

My Princess, you are finally free, your pain and suffering have come to an end!  And now, your joy and laughter fill a special place with the angels; my loss is heaven’s gain and I will love you forever.  – Bryan

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of the most wonderful wife, loving mother and devoted grandmother from complications due to cancer.  Suzie is survived by her adoring husband of 50 yrs, Bryan, sons Steve and his wife Elisabeth of London, England, Jeff of Kelowna and grandson Anthony.  She is fondly remembered by her sister JoAnne and her husband Doug Kinaschuk of Calgary, Edith Bishop, mother-in-law, Barbara and Jim Wright, sister and brother-in-law, all of Mississauga, Dennis Clark, brother-in-law of St. Thomas, Ontario, numerous nieces and nephews along with many friends.

For Suzie, family was her greatest source of pride.  She and Bryan were high school sweethearts and true soul mates.  As a mother, her unconditional love and pride were never more evident than when a simple “Hi Mom, I Love You” would fill her heart with more warmth than any gift money could buy.  Her greatest joy was found in her precious grandson, Anthony of Kelowna, for everything he did filled her heart with gladness.  Grandma Suzie was well known in local hockey rinks for her enthusiastic and unashamed cheering at every game in which he played.  Now, she has the best seat in the house offering more love, support and encouragement than one can imagine, as Anthony pursues his dream.

Well known and loved for her beautiful smile, warm giving heart, infectious laugh and positive attitude, she never lost those qualities during her three year courageous and valiant battle with cancer.  Through three major surgeries and numerous setbacks, Suzie only demonstrated them further by encouraging others while receiving chemo or joyfully knitting the most beautiful and unique hats for other cancer patients or baking unasked, muffins and cookies for her co-workers at Art Knapp’s Plantland, being a living example of “it’s better to give than receive.”

A special “Thanks” goes out to her oncology team, Dr. Simon Baxter and Christine Ransom at the BC Cancer Agency, and her surgeon Dr. E. Solano for their compassion, excellence and genuine caring.  She trusted each of you implicitly.

To Deb Rusch, Janet Biggs and Tanya Naylor;  your weekly phone calls and regular home visits gave her great strength and she loved you more than words could ever say.

It was not in Suzie’s nature to make people sad, to ask for pity or be a burden to anyone but rather, to leave one feeling uplifted and at peace.  So for all who mourn her, she asks that we consider these words:

I could not stay another day,

to laugh, to love, to work or play.

 Tasks undone must stay that way,

I’ve found that peace at the close of day.

 If parting has left a void,

then fill it with remembered joy.

 A friendship shared, a laugh,

a kiss, ah yes, these things I too will miss.

 Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow.

 My life’s been full, I savoured much,

good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

 Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

 Lift up your hearts and share with me,

God wants me now,

He set me free.

Celebration of Life

 Please join us as we celebrate Suzie’s Birthday and her life, Wednesday June 8th 2016.  An informal service will take place at 6 pm at Kinsmen Park- Kelowna.

We would ask that you dress casually, and bring your fondest memories along with a lawn chair.

For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”