SUSAN ELIZABETH DEW (née Purdy), R.N. September 30, 1939 – September 30, 2021 I left this planet for uncharted territory today, with the hope of finding peace, to be pain-free without pills, and be able to breathe unattached to tubes, tanks and gadgets. In time, I hope to connect with my dear family members, parents, Jessie and Lorne Purdy, as well as my deeply beloved twin brother, William “Bill” Purdy, who left far too soon in November 2009. Despite a rather bumpy ride in the health department from time to time, I’ve enjoyed a mostly good time on our planet. Mine was not a remarkable life in any way, and I wore many hats during my professional working days. I was proud to graduate as a Registered Nurse from the Hospital for Sick Children School of Nursing. For many years, I enjoyed working as a secretary/office manager/assistant in both the medical and legal professions. During the final ten years of my business life, I enjoyed working from my home office preparing a large variety of medical and legal reports. Although I am sad to leave so many dear friends and nursing classmates whose friendship and love has meant more to me than words can say, I look forward to eventually having that last HSC reunion that never happened due to Covid-19, wherever it might be. I would like to thank Dr. Dalal-Burns, and especially Dr. Jonathan Ailon, from the Palliative Care team at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, along with my visiting nurse, Sasha. They have provided outstanding warmth and friendship during the last part of my junket. I am particularly grateful to my former husband, Christopher Dew, for his loving support, patience and care especially within the last few years. He has been my solid rock when I was beginning to crumble, helping me put the pieces back together enough to carry on a bit longer. I could never have reached this far without you, Dear Heart! I wish you all peace, love and happiness wherever your own journeys may take you. – Susan P.S. I will have been cremated by the time you read this. A small gathering of my dear friends will be held before too long, the details of which will be delivered in due course.
Published in The Globe and Mail from Oct. 2 to Oct. 6, 2021.