SUSAN DOWNE

Susan Downe was an original, effervescent spirit. Born June 6, 1932, in London, Ontario, and the eldest child of Juanita and Walter Thompson, she grew up with siblings John, Molly, and Ann in an atmosphere that nurtured family, friends, and community. Early childhood years at Ryerson Public School were followed in 1942 by four years at elementary school and at Langley Junior High in Washington when her father was recruited by John Kenneth Galbraith to head the Retail Service branch of the Office of Price Administration. Susan then attended London Central Secondary School and spent two years at Alma College in St. Thomas - a time of growing independence and the seedbed of lifelong friendships. While earning her English degree at U.W.O., she met William (Bill) Downe. They married in 1952 and had four children: Peter (Kathy), Lise, Bret (Alma), and Bill (Sandra). During the 1960s, Susan was active in the May Court Club and as a member of the London Art Gallery's Volunteer Committee. She and Bill were part of the vibrant "London Regionalists" arts community, and they - along with many other parents - founded the London French School. Years later, she and Bill ended their marriage. Susan went on to co-found the Gestalt Institute of Toronto and became a practitioner and trainer of Bioenergetic therapy. Charlie Mackenzie entered Susan's life in 1979 and graced it for 41 years. The two of them had a long, loving, and adventurous life together until Charlie's death in 2020. They enjoyed camping and hiking, gardening, time spent in Bayfield, Ontario, and family gatherings in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Between them they have eight children, 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Susan developed her creative writing late in life, publishing poetry and a memoir/novel about her mother titled "Juanita Wildrose: My True Life." The last months of Susan's life were, as her brother John expressed, "an avalanche" of profound health challenges. She met them with grace - her face lighting up when family, friends, or caretakers entered her room. She died in London, Ontario, on October 14, 2025. Visitation on Sunday, October 26, from 2–4 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond. A celebration of Susan's life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions to St. Joseph's Hospice London or Indwell Community Homes would be appreciated.