February 1, 1939 – November 24, 2024
Suzanne passed away at Meaford LTC home at age 85 after succumbing to a respiratory illness. She will be sadly missed by her loving husband Terry and children Wendy (Renee), Kim, and Simon. We hope she is finally at peace.
Suzanne was born in Windsor, Ontario, the only child of Raymond Edward Moore and Mary Elizabeth McPhail. Growing up, visits to her cousin’s farm in Port Lambton provided her with some of the happiest memories of her life. The Payne kids (Aerial, Marilyn, Robert, Shirley, Joan, and Betty) were like siblings to her. She was particularly close to Shirley, who she enjoyed picnics with alongside the stream by the woods at the end of the farm laneway.
She moved to Oakville in 1953 when her father was relocated to the new Ford plant. There she co-owned a women’s millinery store called ‘The Hat Box’ from 1963 until 1965 when she met Terry. They were married in April 1965 and had three children. After retirement, she was happy to move with Terry to a rural ‘farm’ property near Mount Forest, where she enjoyed country life. They moved to Meaford in 1999.
Suzanne was the anchor of the family. She worked hard to provide a good home life and loved to attend her children’s school activities and sports events – especially soccer. In her downtime she enjoyed reading – particularly Harlequin Romances by Betty Neels, and watching favourite TV shows such as the Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, and Murder She Wrote. She also enjoyed travelling with Terry and considered visiting the home of Anne of Green Gables in PEI one of the highlights. She had a keen interest in the British Royal Family. She loved handbags, her lipstick, and all things Gordon MacRae. She also loved musicals (Oklahoma), singing, listening to music, and dancing. She played ‘air piano’ with flair. Her greatest disappointment was not having grandchildren. She hated snow.
Suzanne was quiet and rarely complained although she had varying degrees of smiles ranging from polite but not impressed to her full wattage smile which could light up a room. She thought with her heart. She believed that looking after family and love were the two most important things in life. She enjoyed a simple and modest life and believed in being kind to all people which seems to be uncommon today. She had a special talent for making people feel welcome whether it was in the home or newcomers to Canada. She often packed a purse with ‘extras’ in case she thought somebody might need something. If she had one wish it would be that people stop fighting and just get along, whether it be family or nations.
Special thanks to the residents of Meaford LTC (Marilyn Markle, Carolyn Hughes, the late Michael Raynsford) for their kindness to Suzanne during her stay. Also thank you to the volunteers who bring music, movement, and joy to the residents.
A private family service will be conducted at Lakeview Cemetery, Meaford. As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Grey Bruce or the Diabetes Association of Grey Bruce would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON, N4L 1B9, to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
