Susan Fraser

Although I only had a few encounters with Sue, her passing has effected me deeply. She was someone who I looked up to and I learned so much from her teachings and provocations of thought and reflection. She has impacted my life in so many ways, it would be hard to encapsulate it into just a few words. All I can say is I am so grateful for her contribution to our field and her legacy shall have a ripple effect that will last my lifespan...and beyond. Deep condolences for those that feel her loss even more profoundly.

Sue, you will be missed. I am not good with words, but I will spend some time in nature this week and think about you

Sue was such a great mentor to me. She introduced me into the field of Reggio approach. I was her interpreter when we went to share the Reggio experience with the teachers in Taiwan in 2002, Sue was so humble and patient with the works the teachers have done there. I truly enjoyed the time with Sue and had also learned a lot from her.

Sue Fraser was much loved by the Quadra Island Community; Andy and I amongst them. I loved her stories (the real stuff about the Power of One, for example); I loved Christmas in July; I loved her strength, compassion, wit, good humour (Cdn spelling, eh?), insights, kindness and pervasive intelligence. I loved breaking bread with your family; I loved being a friend to you. Some people are just so special - you feel it right away. I do/did and am forever grateful to have shared some time with you, however unexpected and entirely insufficient. You are missed my friend. But we'll be out there soon and will catch up with your family. Till then, safe journeys and sweet dreams. Jan and Andy, Lot H, Quadra.

Sue was so warm and encouraging. She could disagree with you while warmly encouraging you and making you feel validated as a peer. While we spent little time together the observations we did together and the tea shared left a lasting impression of a rare soul.

Sue was a truly kind, caring and gentle person to all big or small. Sue spent many hours at Marpole Preschool as she did research for her books, this is where I began to know and understand what early childhood meant to Sue. Her observations and attention to the many nuances of children and their relationships with each other and the importance of caring adults in their lives. It made you strive to be a better person. For the past 15 years or so Sue has been a very special friend in my life and those of my grandchildren. I was fortunate to spend time with her every month. The scones and tea would be ready as we sat and chatted about what was happening in the ECE field. We would watch the birds fly in and out to feed at the bird feeder. I learned a lot about birds. We often walked to the beach where she gave undivided attention to every rock, stick, piece of seaweed or beach glass that my grandchildren offered. She could marvel at the tiniest bit of nature that a child discovered. Her love of children took her around the world, where others were interested in her thought and theories about working with young children. She often said she learned from her grandmother how to be a truly AUTHENTIC person for and around children. She was the same around her friends and colleagues here and around the world.
We will miss you always Michelle de Salaberry (Layla and Alia)