DURNIN, Susan

November 28, 1951 — January 24, 2023

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Susan Lynn Durnin, on January 24, 2023. She was 71 years old.

Susan will be lovingly remembered by her husband Jerry Durnin; two children, Tracey (Alain) Gervais and Darren (Jennifer) Durnin; her sister Carol Hunter (Barry Plosker); brother Terry (Alieta) Rafter; sister-in-law Joanne (Allen) Pelltier, her many nieces and nephews; her five grandchildren, Katelynn, Matthew, Reese, Zachary, and Sadie; and friends she met over her lifetime. Susan was predeceased by her mother Ivy (Robert) Mackay, father Melvyn Rafter, and brother-in-law Allan Durnin.

Susan was born on November 28, 1951, in Middleton, Nova Scotia. She led a family focussed life, with a little adventure along the way. Being a child of RCAF family, she lived in Germany, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba, on various Air Bases, but ultimately settled in British Columbia.

Susan met Jerry, her life-long friend and partner, in Portage la Prairie, MB, when she was 15 years old. They were later married in 1969. They had recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. Their close bond will forever be unbreakable, as they went through life together.

For many years Susan worked for the city of Portage la Prairie as secretary to the mayor, later moving to Kelowna, BC in 1991, where she began a new career with School District 23, serving in various roles until her retirement.

Susan (and Jerry) loved all the time they spent on the shores of Okanagan Lake, and even more so when her extended family joined her. Exploring in the camper was a favourite pass time for the family. Susan was most aptly described as down to earth, a truly a kind and compassionate person. She was always a dedicated mother and wife, always having stayed closely connected to her family, with all her grandchildren holding a special place in her heart.

Near the end, Susan’s focus was not about herself, rather the continued well-being of her family, a testament to the selfless person she was. Susan will always be part of our lives, and close to our heart.

We thank those caregivers and medical staff for their recent care of Susan during her brief time of illness, with special recognition given to Dr. Joshua and Dr. Mirchandani, for their genuine care, compassion, and support of Susan.

A family memorial service will be held at a later date.

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