Susan Lee O'Brien

1951 - 2022

Susan Lee O'Brien It is with deep sorrow and love that the family and friends of Susan Lee O'Brien (Bonkii Travels) announce her sudden passing from a heart attack on January 18, 2022. Born an only child in Mondovi, Wisconsin, in 1951, Susan shared a strong bond with her mother Merriam St. John, who raised her as a single parent. Susan was predeceased by her mother, and her late husband Dr. John O'Brien, with whom she raised seven stepchildren. She is survived by her beloved best friend and spouse Ron Woznow, sisters-in-law Beverly Woznow (Barry Jones) and Susan Burnett (Rodger Burnett), Ron's youngest daughter Jessi Gillis and her three sons Herbie, Gael and Sammie, as well as her many friendships that span the globe and make up her extended and adoring family. Susan was a shy, intelligent, yet athletic youth with a passion for basketball. After high school, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. When her mother passed away in 1971, she completed her degree in science and moved to San Diego. She worked initially at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and in 1977 took a job at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, where she met John, whom she married in 1980. Throughout this period of her life, Susan's passion for all things political and art blossomed. She co-owned and managed a vibrant art gallery showcasing not just John's artwork but many local talents. Her eye and appreciation for diverse mediums of art stayed vibrant through all stages of her life. Her lifelong saying was "strive to understand rather than be understood." After John's passing in 2001, Susan moved to support his daughter Maggie and her three children, taking on the role of "Grannie Susan." Susan always took care of those around her; she patiently connected with all her grandchildren, taking the time to get to know them and encourage their individual talents and interests. Susan met Ron on May 21, 2005, at a dinner date arranged by Helena Chaye, a close friend of both of them. It was love at first sight. In 2006, after confirming their combined pleasure in game nights, puzzles, travel, holding hands and community giving, they were married at Sun Yat-Sen Garden in Vancouver. They spent their honeymoon on Hardy Island and at Nancy and Alex's Herondell Bed and Breakfast. Susan formed a precious bond with Ron's daughter Jessi and they loved to chat over coffee or cocktails. She was always there to lend an ear, share in her life experience and give sage advice. Jessi's children adored their "Fred." She would lovingly send encouraging messages to the boys daily and praise their early accomplishments. Over Christmas last year she taught Herbie how to knit and gave him a set of needles that he treasures. Jessi's constant supply of pictures and videos of the boys brightened her every day. Susan believed strongly in giving back to her community. In 2008, she and Ron co-founded the Family Food Research Foundation, a registered charity with the mandate to help Indigenous youth from across Canada pursue a post-secondary degree. In her volunteer role as foundation administrator from 2009 to 2020, she facilitated 550 students' attendance at 10 different universities. Her commitment to the foundation and its students was relentless and she worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and care of all the students. Many students described their experience as life changing. Susan's longtime personal passion was turning wool into beautiful clothing both by hand and weaving. She was generous and shared her works of art with friends and family. Her woolen socks are worn around the world. In 2011, Susan and Ron met Kathy Bowes, who found them the perfect house in Powell River. Susan's friendship with Kathy grew quickly and they soon became best of friends, knitting together and sharing many fun hours working on new patterns and dreaming of travel. By 2012 Susan and Ron had settled into the Powell River lifestyle, and with the help of the Brach family, knew how and where to fish. Susan made many friends in the community and enjoyed her swimming group, her lunch dates and her trips to the knitter's nest. Susan's friendships and love of travel took her all over the world. She was the best at planning trips and making sure as many people as possible were included in her plans. Her wool and whiskey tour of Scotland with her sister-in-law Susan and staying at the "berry farm" with sister-in-law Bev and Barry playing dominos were favourite trip memories for Susan. Susan was also active in Powell River community organizations. She was the secretary of the Senior Citizens Association, volunteered with Powell River Assist and co-founded the Westview Ratepayers Association. Susan will be missed daily by all those who love her and all those she gifted with warmer hearts and feet. If anyone would like to remember Susan, in lieu of flowers, a donation could be made to the Senior Citizens Association of BC, Branch 49, 6792 Cranberry Street, Powell River, BC, V8A 3Z4. A celebration of Susan's life will be held in the spring.