Obituary of Susan Van Alstyne

Susan Carolyn Van Alstyne of Edmonton, Alberta, formerly of Vernon, British Columbia, passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the age of 77 years. Susan was born at the Royal Victoria Hospital (where her mother had been a nurse) in Montreal on March 6, 1939. She cherished her memories of growing up in her family home, "Roseneath", in Beauharnois, Quebec and often reminisced about having had a wonderful childhood. Beginning with her boarding school experience at Kings Hall, Compton, Susan loved her years of education and won awards for her literary prowess. She then attended Wells College in Aurora, New York where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English in 1960 and immensely enjoyed the social experiences of college life. Following that, she completed her Masters in Library Science at McGill University, highlighting her life-long love affair with books and literature. It was also through McGill that she met her other life-long love; Hugh Van Alstyne! They were married on April 28, 1962 and embarked on an adventurous life together, moving around the country wherever Hugh's job took them. No matter where they lived, Susan dedicated herself to caring for her family in the warm and well-organized home she always established for them.Wonderful friendships blossomed in each of these places and have endured throughout the years. 'Sue' had many other interests, including: reading books and writing letters, horses and dogs, opera and theatre, art and antiques, ballet and figure skating, and especially keeping track of British Royalty and family history! Wherever she was her thoughtful and encouraging nature touched a wide circle of people and her amazing memory made everyone feel especially important. What a gift! Sue's memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her: children Claire Van Alstyne (Stephen Flaherty) of Hamilton ON, Cynthia (Richard) Schultz of Hay Lakes AB, and Heather (Robert) Gallivan of New York City; grandchilren William, Alexander, Margaret, Edward, Peter, Aaron, Clay and Dustin. Susan was predeceased by her husband Hugh (in April 2015), and her younger brother John Kilgour (in March 2016). A private family service has been held. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Stollery Children's Hospital, or to the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, 555 Rexdale Blvd, PO Box 156, Toronto, ON, M9W 5L2.