Obituary of Susan Lorraine Eaton

Susan Lorraine Eaton, age 62, of Antigonish, died on March, 30th, 2015 at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital. She was predeceased by her father John Mainwaring Eaton (1990) and her beloved mother Marie Genevieve Eaton (nee Urquhart) who died in Saskatoon in 2006. She is survived by her partner of 23 years Colleen Cameron, step daughter Karmyn Bokma (Ben) and grandchildren Elliana and Ezekiel, sister in law Mary (Bob Upton) and brothers in law Bill (Ann Marie) and Dan (Pauline) and 7 nieces and one nephew; her brother Bob Eaton (Valerie Veillard), nephew Oliver Eaton and niece Emily Eaton (Simon Enoch), her sister Janice Eaton (Hanif Choudhury) and nieces Khadijah and Yasmeen Choudhury. She also leaves behind her cat Hamish, and a herd of giraffes. Born in Regina, Saskatchewan on June 4th 1952, Susan grew up in Yorkton Saskatchewan and attended the University of Saskatchewan (B.A Political Science) and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (Master of Adult Education). She began her career in Saskatoon with Development and Peace, moved on to the national office in Toronto in 1989 and relocated to Antigonish in 1999 to be with her partner, Colleen. Susan embraced and was embraced by the community of Antigonish where she worked with various organizations including the Coady International Institute, the Town of Antigonish (returning officer), the New Democratic Party and the St. Francis Xavier University. She also continued writing in the Living With Christ Sunday Missal. Her freelance and volunteer work was driven by her passion for social justice and she contributed her facilitation and writing skills to many community organizations. She devoted herself to social change, addressing the social determinants of health through political processes at all levels and grassroots initiatives such as People Assessing Their Health (PATH). Her family in Antigonish includes a strong circle of women who share her passion for social justice - singing with the Raging Grannies and the Wandering Menstrals, marching in the pride parade, spending 33 weeks gathering weekly at the town hall calling attention to women and poverty around the world, and so much more. When reflecting on Susan her friends said: - "connoisseur of the news" - "knew everything about politics" - "was always in your corner" - "not a no opinion type" - "story teller who was able to capture an audience" - "sharp and witty" There will be a celebration of Susan’s life on Saturday April 4th from 3-5 PM at Desmond Oval, Coady International Institute, west wing. Donations can be made to the Coady International Institute, St. Francis Xavier University and the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre.