SUSAN MEIKLE

September 26, 1954 – August 1, 2025 After a courageous battle, our dear Susan, so capable, so vigorous, and oh so kind, was taken from us far too soon. Susan's family; devoted partner, Ross Coyles; and loving children, Jamie (Emme) and Gillian (Mike), are heartbroken; as are her brothers and sisters: Vickie, Jamie (Marthe), Heather, Tom (Melanie), and Greg. Also deeply saddened by the loss of their aunt are Susan's eight nieces and nephews. Friends and colleagues grieve the passing of their companion, confidant, leader, mentor, and so much more. Susan was born and grew up in Montreal, the second child of the late Pat and Jim Meikle. In 1983, she married Ross and was warmly welcomed into the family of the late Jean and Jim Coyles, of Toronto; and his late sister, Linda. Over the next 42 years, she engaged in a most successful and rewarding endeavour: being the conscientious, caring, and generous leader of a family of four (plus pets, notably standard Schnauzers, Milo and later, Asha). Susan's conviction and compassion applied to all aspects of her life. After graduation from McGill University (Physical and Occupational Therapy) in 1976, and brief stints on staff at Kingston General Hospital and Humber Memorial Hospital in Toronto, her passion for working in community-focused mental health began to emerge. Susan had a long and impactful career in this field, initially visiting clients in need of assistance and care with Community Occupational Therapy Associates (COTA). Here, she flourished and took on further aspects of leadership that would serve the community so well in decades to come. Upon leaving COTA, Susan joined LOFT (then known as Anglican Houses), to take-on further management roles. At LOFT, she led multiple professionals and projects aimed at assisting those that faced the complex challenges of homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. In 2001, Susan became the Executive Director of Toronto North Support Services (TNSS), the organization from which she retired in 2022. Her work at TNSS was innovative and transformational. Susan developed collaborative programs and led several multidisciplinary teams aimed at making community-focused services more effective and sustainable for those in critical need. From very early in her career, Susan was an advocate for putting more emphasis on the benefits of building housing solutions rather than the short-term panacea of hostels. In her off-hours, Suse continually used her keen eye for design and her love of a project, and was often found either creating new things or improving her surroundings. Her artwork became much-loved by friends and family, and hallmarks of hers, like a 24' tape measure or a complete set of Benjamin Moore's paint samples, which could always be found in her toolkit of a purse. Suse was rigorous at keeping on schedule, even at the cottage on island B709 in Georgian Bay. When Jean and Jim said to her in 1983, "Take the guest cabin, make it your own, decorate it how you like," little did they know that would be the start of renovations and rehabilitations throughout the island that would last her lifetime, and that we would all benefit once again from Suse's good eye, good will, and good nature! "Honouring Susan," a tribute, is being held at Enoch Turner Schoolhouse and Museum on Sunday, August 17th, with doors opening at 2:30 p.m. Susan and Ross have attended Enoch Turner events since back in the '80s and this is the area of Toronto where Susan first immersed herself in community mental health issues. Casual dress is encouraged, and attendees should also be aware that parking is at a premium. Food and refreshments will be served. For those wishing to make a donation in memory of Susan, the family suggests the Odette Cancer Program or the Palliative Care Unit in care of the Sunnybrook Foundation.