SUSAN JANE RICHARDSON

1942 - 2024

August 26, 1942 - November 28, 2024 The irreplaceable Susu, believer in possibilities and big ideas died peacefully in Collingwood with family by her side after a valiant battle with dementia. Born in Whitby, Susan grew up with her sisters Ann, Mary Lou and Kathy. She studied Biochemistry at Trinity College U of T. A full career spent at the City of Toronto included the Mayor's office and the Planning Department culminated with many years as Director, Parks Planning and Design. She proudly championed progressive landscape architecture projects and was instrumental in bringing some of Toronto's greatest parks to life, including the Village of Yorkville and the Yo-Yo Ma Music Garden. A biochemist by training, Susan loved research. She was passionate about gardens and wildlife. She fiercely defended the importance of small creatures in the decades spent fighting industrial wind farm developments in Prince Edward County and Clearview Township. Susan was a pioneer for professional women and made the challenges of balancing a career with the demands of being an ever-present single mom all done with grace and elegance. Susan was the definition of family first and had endless time, energy and encouragement for her kids Benjamin (Hannah Farrar), and Sarah (Alexander Younger). Her kids and her grandkids were her greatest treasure (Robin, Joshua, Fiona, Alexandra, Harrison, Theo and Eva). Beauty was her love language and music was her medium. Susan's vibrant spirit, endless positivity and overflowing love and warmth will forever twinkle and remind us of her truly unique and magical soul. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, December 4, at 1pm at Trinity College Chapel. The family request no flowers please. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada