Susan J. MOUAT

January 26, 1923 - May 12, 2025

Susan Joy Mouat ("Sue") who was born in Cumberland, BC on January 26, 1923, died peaceful in Victoria, BC on May 12, 2025. Predeceased by her husband, Ivan, sons Manson, Teddy and Greig, Sue is survived by her children, Jeremy (Lynda Ross) of Fredericton, Mary (Don Miller) of Victoria, Jen Ritson (Phil Ritson) of Salt Spring and her daughter-in-law Wendy (Preston Lamp) of Bellingham, WA. Sue is also survived by grandchildren, Tara Kingman, Nikos Mouat, Katya Campbell, Zander Ritson, Ted Ritson and Raechel Ritson and eight great grandchildren. "Auntie Sue" was a favourite and her nieces, nephews and their children recall her with great fondness.
Sue recalled a halcyon childhood, growing up in Royston and being the youngest child of Mary and Ted Greig. Whether it was her parents' garden or her happy childhood, Sue was a passionate gardener and a very loving mother.
Sue graduated as a registered nurse in 1944, and it was during a stint of private nursing on Salt Spring Island where she met, and soon married, William "Ivan" Mouat, a dashing former RCAF/RAF fighter pilot. Initially, Sue and Ivan lived on Salt Spring, then moving to Nanaimo where Ivan began his career in education. Ivan's career ensured moves to Victoria, Qamani'tuaq (then known as Baker Lake), Ottawa, Churchill, Saskatoon and Edmonton and despite those moves, regardless of where they lived, Sue made a home, made friends and almost without exception, she found a way to garden.
It was in Edmonton that Sue reclaimed her career. When Sue and Ivan returned to Salt Spring in the 1970's, Sue returned to nursing and worked at Greenwoods until her retirement in the late 1980's.
Sue was a quiet and effective feminist, and her pithy comments and advice are legendary. While Sue was happiest in the garden, she and Ivan were excellent hosts and she was rarely seen sitting, without some kind of needlework in her hands. In addition to working at Greenwoods, Sue was active in all aspects of island life, from the Hospital Auxiliary, Options for Sexual Health, the Salt Spring Historical Society, and, Grandmother for Grandmothers, to name a few.
Sue had an inquiring mind and — often with her sons' advice — she was very well read. While Sue rarely sought or was in the spotlight, she valued the dedication by Charles Kahn in his book, Salt Spring, The Story of an Island, which reads, in part, "This book is dedicated to Sue Mouat, without whom this project would never have happened..."
Sue and Ivan enjoyed a long and happy retirement, which included parties, travel and building gardens — first in Fulford, then at Baker Road aka Baker Lake and latterally at Brinkworthy. Even a move to assisted living didn't stop Sue from gardening.
Sue's family would like to acknowledge and thank everyone at The Summitt in Victoria, including the cleaners and foods staff and in particular, the staff on Eagle House. The compassionate and kind care Sue received was deeply appreciated by us all.
Sue's funeral will take place at 1 pm on June 14, 2025, at All Saints by-the-Sea Anglican Church on Salt Spring Island. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.