It is with a profound sense of loss that we share the news of Susan Zettler’s untimely passing on Friday, January 1, 2021.
Sue was a valued member of our team here at St. Boniface Hospital Research and a highly regarded member of Winnipeg’s research community. Her passing is a sad shock that resonates beyond our walls.
Sue worked diligently and with great professionalism in a variety of administrative support roles for almost 28 years, starting with ICS in 1993 and then transitioning to CCARM where she served as Administrative Assistant since 2007.
Sue was known for her capable, thorough work habits and her friendly approach to her fellow co-workers. She was a valuable asset to the CCARM team, where she never failed to assist the PIs, lab staff and trainees, even when she was busy with other priorities.
Personally, Sue always took the time to reach out to others and her positive outlook made her a friend to many. She will be greatly missed by all her St. B, University and Ag Canada colleagues. It was Sue’s wish that any charitable donations to her memory be directed to CCARM Research through https://stbhf.ca/en/donate/. To view the obituary, click here:
https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-295472/Zettler_Susan
To leave condolences and memories of Sue, please use the comment box at the bottom of this page.
Very shocking news. Having worked with Sue for as many years as she has been with us and on multitude of projects as well as day to day activities, it is hard to accept the harsh reality that she is no longer with us. May almighty rest her soul in peace. With a sad heart. Pawan
I was just shocked to hear Sue had passed away. Sue was just one of the special people you could always call upon for help when you needed it. She never said no.
Just a genuinely kind and wonderful person. We’ll all really miss her.
A great shock to lose Susan and at such a young age. Susan was a fixture at our Research Centre. Always helpful and ever friendly. A valued and loyal colleague at St B but so much more than that too. She was a friend at St Boniface Hospital with decades of supporting the many students and staff who came and went from countries all over the world. She will be missed and she will be remembered.
Sue was literally one of the kindest, most sincere persons I have ever had the pleasure to meet. She was always helpful, whether she needed to be or not, and she was someone who could be trusted with any task. This is a great loss to all of us at the Research Centre and I hope her family can find peace during this difficult time. What a beautiful person!
Sue was such a kind-hearted person and so very giving. Through many conversations with her over my years here at the Research Centre I quickly learned just how caring she was. She was highly valued as a coworker and friend to many of us.
I will miss Sue a great deal.
I was very much saddened to hear of Sue’s passing. She joined the ICS about 6 months after I returned from Toronto in 1992 and we became friends immediately. She was always very sharp, very helpful, and willing to put aside her current job to help me or the members of our laboratory. One of Sue’s great gifts was that of her ever-present gentle humour, and we shared a multitude of jokes and stories in those early days, and of course after her move to CCARM in 2007. I consider Sue as a true friend, and a gentle soul with real kindness shown to students and staff, who all benefitted from her competence and sound advice. She was also extremely professional. Her departure has left a large void at the research centre and I will miss her.
It was the saddest news to be heard at the beginning of the New Year. In mid December 2020, I had the last conversation with our beloved Sue, when she was calling me to fix my -80 freezer. Over the past many years Sue generously helped all of us in any way she could. My words cannot explain how amazing Sue was both professionally and personally. We will miss her tremendously! May she rest in Peace.
Sue will be greatly missed by the St Boniface Hospital OH&S department. Sue was a pleasure to work with. One could always be assured that Sue would respond to any questions you might have and was very diligent with responding for CCARM in regards to any safety issues that arose. I am personally very saddened. The passing of Sue is a great loss to our community.
I am just devastated and lost for words. Very sad and shocking news. Sue will be sadly missed by all of us, we appreciate all her work at the research centre and particularly during her time as an administrative assistant in the ICS office. Very Sad news, my heart felt condolences to Sue’s family and friends.
Sue was a wonderful person at both a personal and professional level. She was very friendly and was able to accomplish the most complicated tasks with ease. She always went that extra mile to ensure things were done right. Her loss will be felt by the entire St. Boniface Research community. I will miss her and offer my condolences to her family and friends.
Sue was a treasured friend and coworker! She was always there to help, but more than that, she was always there to care! She truly cared about people, took the time to know someone, know their name and their story, and she would always remember even the small details! She was one of the most compassionate people I’ve known! I will miss her and our friendship dearly, the world lost a truly beautiful soul.
Farewell dearest Sue. It was wonderful to know you since the first days you joined the Centre. I hope you knew how much you were appreciated and cherished by all, including myself, for your helpfulness and just being a really good person. I tried not to miss an opportunity to have little chat with you, every so often, about this and that and especially our various pets, because, well, I always felt better, lighter, afterwards. I will miss you.
I can hardly believe the sad news. She was always professional, always friendly and always happy to help all of us. I will miss her for the rest of my life as a fantastic colleague and a wonderful friend.
What a tragic loss for the Research Centre and for all who knew Sue. She was always willing to help, and was ready to solve problems and answer questions whether it was part of her job or not. She truly was a genuinely caring and compassionate person, always asking after the well-being of your family, and taking a real interest in the work and lives of those around her. She will be greatly missed.
I worked 27 years on the 2nd floor of the Research Centre and another 3 years in Asper and DND and have known Sue for all her professional career. I also know her mother Arlene, who ran the walking group at St. Vital Park that me and my Mom belonged to. I am shocked and saddened by her sudden passing, and pass on my condolences to her Mom and family and friends. Sue always had a smile and was caring and compassionate. A terrible loss.
What sad news. Sue always went above and beyond to help others. I have always appreciated that she kept in touch with me, so that together we could figure out ways to help academics navigate grant and contract submissions. A very kind soul. She will be greatly missed.
I’m so shocked and sad to hear of Sue’s passing! She was an extremely warm and friendly person, always willing to assist. She will be greatly missed.
My heart is heavy with the passing of Sue. She was such a kind and caring person and I know everyone who worked with her can attest to that. Sue would go above and beyond to help anyone who asked and was always available for a quick chat here and there, especially if was about puppies or kitties. We have many email threads that started as business but ended as quick back-and-forth replies sharing stories of our pets. We have shared so many laughs and stories together. There will not be a day that goes by that I will not pass by her office and think of her, or see a gluten-free, mint-free, strawberry-free dessert and think of her. For those of us at CCARM, Sue was our friend and problem-solver, and one of our biggest champions cheering us on. She was so incredibly helpful and I wish I could tell her how much she was appreciated. She was the heart of CCARM. I am going to miss her everyday.
My deepest sympathies to her family. Please know that Sue was very loved by her coworkers and we will all miss her so very much.
It was a real shocker and hard to believe! Such a nice person, always calm with a gentle smile. Sue had a long and wonderful career with the Research Centre and in this regard she is known by so many people in Canada and around the world for her friendship and professionalism. Sue knew my family very well and always asked about them by name. We will miss her.
I was deeply saddened to hear about Sue’s passing. As I think back on the years that I have known her, I am impressed by her kindness, dedication, willingness to lend a hand, and her positivity. It is hard to imagine CCARM without her. She will be missed.
Dear Sue, my trusted friend and colleague. I will miss you so much. We laughed a lot and you let me cry on your shoulder in my time of need when Andrew passed away. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing cards to each of my boys when their father died. I remember their reaction when I gave them the cinema vouchers with your note “a little bit of entertainment for you even if for a brief moment during your time of grief”. Sam, Brodie and Everett were touched as was I. As cat lovers, I will miss your funny pictures and memes you would send to me. I will miss the Jacquie Lawson cards. You never missed a birthday. You were such a hard worker Sue. So dedicated and devoted to the Research Centre and CCARM. What will I do without your advice, your help. You were so patient with me – everyone in fact. You certainly didn’t complain. Always smiled even through difficult times. As Dr. Freeman said “According to the law of conservation of energy, not a bit of you is gone”. I’ll feel your presence as I walk the hallways and enter the labs. You will be sorely missed. I sure hope you knew how much you were loved by all of us. See you on the other side. Lots of love Susie Hirst
I did not work with Sue but was proud to call this wonderful kind person my dear friend. Sue was a “giving” person. She was gentle compassionate and supportive. She never failed me. Her quick intelligence and great sense of humor made her a valuable companion. I feel I have lost a treasure and my heart aches.
I have known Sue since I joined CCARM and she was so helpful in helping me establish my lab. She was responsive, proactive and could be counted on to get things done as she anticipated potential needs. The kind, gentle, humble and friendly ‘sister’ will not be there anymore whenever I dropped by the office. She is the angel who will get her wings and God will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant..”(Mt 25:21). Prayers for peace and comfort for her family, near and far, and all the friendly souls, who will remember her smiles!
Sue was a delightful person. I will miss her very much. I always looked forward to our chats on my way to the CCARM office. We would talk at length (maybe too long sometimes) about family, especially our pets! She was incredibly helpful on a number of issues; work will not be the same without her. In addition, she was very thoughtful. She always sent a birthday card. Just a wonderful person. May she Rest In Peace.
I will remember Sue as a kind and caring person who was always willing to lend a hand or help solve a problem. She was a valued member of the St. B Research family and I will miss her.
My condolences to her loved ones as they grieve this immense loss.
As a member of CCARM for the past 12 years, I have had the honor to work closely with Sue.
I have many email threads telling her that “I don’t know what I would do without [her]” as she was someone I relied on every day at work to assist with various tasks and help troubleshoot. Sue always went out of her way to ask how my family and I were doing and always checked in to make sure everything was ok, when I would take a sick or family sick day. Sue was like family; someone that I knew cared for me and my family, for our wellbeing, and would stop at nothing to try to help out where she could.
I wish I could tell her one last time how special and appreciated she is and how “I don’t know what I will do without her”.
Sending love and condolences to her mom, family, and friends. xoxo
Sue was an amazing, selfless and unique person. Even the best of words cannot capture the shock and the sense of loss. It is a testament to her personality that each one of us can recall many personal moments and stories. Her soothing and comforting voice, made all of us at CCARM feel very special. She will truly be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
I was shocked to hear of Sue’s passing. Despite her health struggles – Sue was such a positive person. She exuded warmth and caring. She always had time for any question and always dealt with everyone in a respectful and caring manner. Although I retired years ago – Sue always sent birthday wishes and event reminders and kept in touch. Sue will be missed very much by current and past CCARM staff. My condolences to Sue’s family.
It took me quite a while to fully understand the words in the news as just a few days ago, I was still exchanging emails with Sue. She has always been such a warm, helpful, and kind soul in our lab. Whenever I reached out to her, she was there to help. Even for things she was not sure, she would provide all the information she knows and try to think solutions together with me. Sue also kept everyone’s birthday in mind and organised celebrations (although gone virtual for the last year), which every time made me so touched. It’s really hard to imagine CCARM without Sue. I will always remember and miss her and her warm smile. My deepest sympathy to Sue’s mom, her family and friends.
It is deeply saddening to learn of Sue’s passing. I knew her since I joined SBRC in 1996. She was an amazing colleague who was highly proficient in her job, and a big help to me and my lab members. Sue was pivotal in coordinating the activities of our division, I will fondly remember the times that we worked together on organizing conferences and symposiums. Sue was a very caring person who genuinely valued her relationships with colleagues. She never forgot to send me a birthday card, even if I forgot the day. Sue will be greatly missed, my heartfelt condolences to the members of her family.
I am saddened to hear of Sue’s passing. We often had friendly chats about our lives and anything we had to look forward to. This seems very unexpected. My condolences to Sue’s family many friends and co-workers. She was a good heart who was helpful and kind and easy to talk to. She will be missed.
Sue was a wonderful person who helped me various ways in establishing my lab. She was very kind and always had a warm smile.I knew her only for two years but will truely miss her. Please accept my deepest sympathy to Sue’s family and friends.
I was shocked to hear Sue has passed away. I cannot imagine CCARM without her. I knew Sue since 2006; through my graduate training she was a tremendous help. She was so organized and her attention to details was admirable. Sue did not know how to say NO. She was always ready to help others although she was too busy herself. Sue was the definition of pure kindness. Even after I left Winnipeg, she would not forget the birthday cards, Christmas and New Year cards. I cannot believe I have received my last Christmas card from her.
Rest in peace, Sue. From the bottom of my heart I will miss you.
My condolences to Sue’s mom, her family and friends.
It was such a shock to hear of the passing of Sue on the first day back to work after the New Year. What a loss for CCARM, work will not be the same without her. It was a pleasure to work closely with her as a CCARM supporting staff since I could always count on her for help and advice. I will always remember how kind and welcoming she was when I first started working at CCARM and I will definitely miss the Jacquie Lawson ecards on birthdays and holidays she would send me. She will be greatly missed.
My heartfelt condolences to her family.
Was very shocking to hear the news of Sue’s passing. Such a kind hearted soul. I will miss her dearly. My deepest sympathy to her mother and family.
Sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. She was always kind and willing to help.My sincere sympathy to her family ,friends and co-workers.
Sue was a pillar in our CCARM community. She was kind, humorous, and authentic as much as she was diligent, hard-working, and competent. She will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathies to her family.
Sue Was a wonderful person and friend. you could ask for help and she would always be there for you. I will miss her and her smile. Sorry for your loss. Sue was a special fiend and will be missed by all.
I am so sorry to learn of Sue’s passing. You could always count on her for a smile and a laugh, especially if you needed one. I admired her willingness to learn if it meant easing the burden of the researchers she earnestly served. It was always a pleasure to talk with her and to get things done on her behalf. She was so appreciative of your efforts. I was touched to continue to receive a Christmas card from CCARM after I left St. Boniface Research – it was because of Susan. She will be greatly missed and my deepest condolences to her family.
My sincere condolences to Sue’s family. She’s going to be greatly missed by everyone at St. Boniface Research Centre for her friendship and her willingness to help whenever needed.
Dear Sue
I received the heartbroken news about your farewell, and I cannot believe it yet. I sent you a Christmas email, and I was waiting to receive your beautiful card as usual from Jacquie Lawson ecards. I think that anybody who knows you have received one of those beautiful cards from you. Since I did not receive your reply, I told myself, this is not my Sue, and there should be something wrong.
Sue, I told you before, and I want to write it down that it was because of you if I could survive during Covid-19. Yes, my friend, you. Do you remember we celebrated 2019, we had a potluck party, and you enjoyed my food, and I asked you to take it with you. The next day when we met, you mentioned you and your mother enjoyed it very much. I promised to make it for you before the holidays, therefore when I went to buy the ingredients, I met my friend that we had stopped talking. If I did not go shopping that day, I would not speak to my friend, and I would not have a company during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, thank you, Sue, for bringing my friend to my life.
Sue, I am amazed that you were able to do all of the office work in your silent and calm behaviour. Besides, you were always there with your beautiful smile and kind heart to help us with our various problems.
Sue, I had worked in different places and had seen so many administrative assistants, but honestly, you were the best.
Thanks for being a great and wonderful friend.
I will miss you greatly.
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.”
Love,
Shokoufeh
So saddened to hear of Sue’s sudden passing. She was the kindest and most genuine person at all times. A wonderful asset to everyone and she will be greatly missed. Deepest sympathy to her family. Shirley Mager
I am terribly saddened to hear the news of Sue’s passing. I have very fond memories of Sue from when I was a student at SBRC. She was such a kind and caring individual and will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to have met and worked with her. My deepest condolences to her family.
I’m shocked to hear of her passing, and like many of the others who have commented, was touched by her kindness during my time at SBRC as a student. I always expected to see her friendly face in the office on the 2nd floor, and still closely associate her presence with my time there. My sympathy to her family and friends.
So shocking to hear Sue’s passing. During my time at CCARM as a student she was so helpful to me. She always wore a kind smile on her face and was always prepared to help anyone that comes to her. Kindness and friendliness she offered to everyone around her was immense. Deepest sympathies to her family!
I remember Susan from our school days. She was always kind to everyone – Such a lovely lady! My condolences to her family.