Ms. Susan Lee Wilkes

Susan Lee Wilkes was born on August 16, 1965 and passed away on May 11, 2015. Daughter of Pat O'Brien and Robert Wilkes (deceased). She was three months short of turning 50. Susan really wanted to turn 50. She was a proud dyke, powerful woman, engaged citizen, loving mama and kind friend.In her five decades, Susan lived with unparalleled zest. From a young age she loved being a goalie. As recently as two years ago, she was a vibrant presence on and off the soccer field and ball hockey rink and even in the final weeks of her life, she was reading hockey stats. This passion for living fully manifested off the field, as well: A coffee on the deck at the cottage marked many happy mornings; cookies, pie and ice cream were simple pleasures, as were long conversations with good friends.These delights weren't unearned. An incredible work ethic and determination are core to who Susan was. With intelligence, integrity and hard work, Susan helped many companies chart a course towards sustainability, helping to build businesses that endured and provided stable employment for many. She took great pride in a job well done. It took a cancer diagnosis to pull her away towards more important focuses — relationships, music and laughter.These experiences in life and work allowed Susan to serve as a rock to many in her life. Susan's empathy and advice were anchor points for many in a network of loved ones that reached across North America and beyond. As a trailblazing lesbian mom in the early 1990s, she brought a unique perspective to what it means to be a mother and shared her wisdom generously.Susan was a calm and steady friend, sister, daughter, partner and mother to many. Her advice was always smart, kind and fair. She had a great and kind mind. She was caring, loving and tough. A remarkable combination.In the last months of Susan's life, it was her turn to be cared for, after so many years of caring for others. Her wife MaryAnn took the greatest care of her as her illness became challenging. She received exceptional care at Princess Margaret Hospital and her family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff at Kensington Hospice for their compassion and tenderness.With many children and step-children, Susan was immeasurably excited to one day meet her grandchildren and it was a source of great sadness for her in the last weeks and months of her life. It is beyond doubt that her legacy will live on as her children share her values and love for life with their own children. Before her illness, Susan purchased the grandchildren their first toy: there is a mustard-coloured stuffed rhino awaiting the first tiny hands to arrive.She will be profoundly missed by her adored wife MaryAnn; children Alex (Jennifer) and Kate (Spencer); step-children Matt, Rachael, Danny and Moriah; mother Pat, brother Rob (Sarah) and sister Nancy; many nieces and nephews; and innumerable friends.Donations can be sent in lieu of flowers to one of the following organizations: Susan Wilkes Memorial bench and tree fund https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-spot-with-susan-commemorative-bench-and-tree--2/x/9079848; Kensington Hospice: http://www.kensingtonhealth.org/Kensington-Foundation/Ways-to-Give.aspx; LGBT Youth Line www.youthline.ca; Right to Play http://www.righttoplay.ca. A memorial will be held to honour Susan and share stories with friends and family on Sunday, June 14th at The 519 in the Grand Ballroom. 519 Church Street, Toronto from 1:30-5:00 p.m.