Susan FORREST

1958 - 2024

In loving memory of Susan Norma Forrest: A pillar of strength, compassion, and love. It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Susan Norma Forrest, in her 66th year of life, a cherished wife, dedicated mother of three, and beloved eldest sister of six siblings. Susan passed away on March 15, 2024, peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family in Toronto, Canada, leaving behind a legacy of unconditional kindness, sublime humour, limitless altruism and an endless bucket of love. She will be deeply missed by her partner in life and loving husband of thirty-four years, Ira Levy; her three children, Benjamin (Rachel C.), Liam, and Rachel (Ethan); her siblings, Bill (Heather), Jeff (Diana), Janis (Mark), Scott (Penny), and Sharon; brother- and sister-in-law, Marsha Slavens (Eric), and Dr. Richard Levy (Sandra). As well, Susan will be greatly missed by all who loved her: aunts, uncles, many loving cousins, nephews, nieces, a multitude of friends and her colleagues. Susan was born July 21, 1958, in Toronto, to Alice and Don Forrest (pre-deceased), and grew up in a close-knit family of six children in Mississauga. She graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in drama and theatre arts and went on to pursue a stellar career as a tour de force Casting Director. She, along with her sister, Sharon, ran Forrest and Forrest Casting from their Toronto office and, with impeccable taste, focused on finding new talent and casting established performers for scores of television series and movies. She was honoured many times for her outstanding work by the Canadian Film and Television Industry and received many prestigious nominations and awards. Outside of her work, she was a committed wayfarer, travelling to all corners of the world, and a chef extraordinaire, hosting legendary dinner parties where she served "Forrestian" portions of her fabulous food. Susan loved music, dancing, movies, going to the theatre but, most of all, she loved her wonderful children, her parents, her siblings, her large extended family, her dear friends and her loving schnoodle, Griffin. Susan made her home the centre of her universe and always welcomed and embraced her family, friends and neighbours with open arms. Her favourite place in the world was at the cottage on beautiful Gull Lake near Minden, Ontario. She loved to swim in the lake, canoe and kayak, and just hang out with her extended family and friends, who all shared in her hospitality. She would always and effortlessly cook amazing dinners for everyone. Being with family around campfires and during sunsets were some of her perfect life moments. As well, Susan's spirit of giving knew no bounds. As an advocate for human rights, Susan dedicated herself to bringing refugees to Canada, offering them a chance for a new beginning and a life of safety and dignity. She was also a fervent supporter of women's shelters and vulnerable populations, dedicating her time and resources to uplifting those in need. Her legacy is one of compassion, advocacy, and selfless service. Upon getting her cancer diagnosis in 2020, Susan was given a prognosis of six to eight months, but through sheer force of determination she fought against the odds and gave us three and a half years of invaluable time, spent with friends and family, at the Lake, on trips abroad, and at home. During this time, she was supported by the most amazing group of doctors, nurses, and caregivers anybody could hope for, thanks to the compassionate care of the team from the Odette Cancer Centre, including Dr. James Perry and Andrea Wong, The Temmy Latner Foundation, including Dr. Russell Goldman and their associated staff, Saint Elizabeth Health, including Michelle Williams, Bayshore Healthcare, and her angels: Amaka, Florence, Noreen, and Venus. Susan was the glue that held all of her families and friends together with indomitable strength, an independent spirit with a sense of compassion, who was loving, intelligent and kind. We invite friends, family, and those touched by Susan's extraordinary life to join us in celebrating her memory. Her light may have dimmed in this world, but her spirit and the love she shared will forever illuminate the lives of those she touched. As per her wishes, Susan will be cremated and, thus, in lieu of a funeral, we will be having a private shivatation - 3 days for those who loved and cherished Susan to visit and share their favourite memories of her. Following the Shivatation, we will be having an open Celebration of Life in the spring to commemorate the joy and laughter that Susan brought to the world (more details will follow). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any or all of Susan's cherished foundations and causes in her honour: The Brain Cancer Foundation of Canada, The Odette Cancer Centre, The Redwood... for women and children fleeing abuse, and Ernestine's Women's Shelter. Donation information can be found on their respective websites. Let us continue her legacy of love, compassion, and humanity.