Susan Flora

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Susan Flora at age 68. She lost her battle with breast cancer on August 18th at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. She leaves behind her sisters, Catherine Heckel (Len) and Louise Flora, as well as her beloved nephews Peter Heckel (Leanna) and Brian Heckel. She is also survived by her aunts Denia Phillips (née Iannarelli) and Nilma Gazzola (née Flora). Pre-deceased by her parents, Mary and Archie Flora, as well as by Annina (née Iannarelli) and Adolphe Salomone, John Phillips and Peter Gazzola. She was also pre-deceased by her adored Himalayan cat, Quailu. Sue was loved by numerous cousins and friends.

Susan was born in Quebec City and raised in Ste Foy, QC and St. Catharines, ON. Graduating from the University of Western Ontario with a BSc in Chemistry, she moved to Oakville, ON to work for Diversey Inc. where she became a Senior Research & Development Chemist developing industrial cleaning and sanitizing compounds.

Susan had a passion for plants and loved being in gardens and greenhouses. Her favourite flowers were Oriental Lillies. She spent many happy hours in various gardens pruning, deadheading, or weeding.

Susan was a feminist and an advocate for women’s rights, mental health and the poor.

Sue was very creative and loved crafts. She dabbled in painting, making jewelry, pottery, knitting, and decoration. Anyone who received a gift from Sue will remember the beautifully written card and the exquisite wrapping that she carefully created.

She loved ocean beaches, lakes, cottages, the forest, skiing, snorkeling and a good cocktail.

Sue spent a lot of time with her family and especially liked to dote on her two nephews. She had a sense of humour that was never far away – jokes, funny animal videos, cartoons to brighten her day and yours.

Sue, you will be deeply missed by all your family and friends.

Donations in Susan’s memory to Canadian Mental Health Association will be gratefully appreciated by the family.