Susan Aylmer Osborne (nee Blackburn), of Toronto, Ontario, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2024.
Sue, aka “Granny Sue” was born March 24, 1934, to Kay and Aylmer Blackburn in Toronto, Ontario. In her early years, Sue was a happy, spirited, kind, and adventurous young girl who quickly established a large group of close friendships that began from her early years attending Havergal College and continued throughout her life.
Sue had many interests and passions. Always surrounded by her beloved pets, Sue was not afraid to push the boundaries of what types of pets could be part of her family. As a young girl, while up at the family cottage, Sue welcomed an orphaned baby racoon, Toby, into her family and became his loving caregiver. This marked the beginning of Sue’s love for all animals and as a nurturer.
Sue graduated in Early Childhood Education at TMU (Toronto Metropolitan University) and spent the next several decades raising her children Katy (Joe Lovrics), Pam (Steve Johns), Jamie (Andrea), Chris (Martha Turner) and then a doting grandmother to her eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Connor), Emily (Dave) , Lexie (Figo), Jeffrey (Yara), Tom (Beth), Allie (Josh), Tess (Colton) and Laura (Dante) and five great-grandchildren, Finn, Carter, Hudson, Kennedy, and Watson.
Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and close friends whether that was at the Toronto home, up on the Craigleith ski hills in Collingwood, at the farm in Caledon East or at her most cherished place ~ the family cottage in Algonquin Park.
Sue’s love for nature, animals, art, and supporting vulnerable communities including her years of volunteer work at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind are a small glimpse into the breadth of her interests and her commitment to supporting those most deserving.
Sue’s grace, humour and positive energy through adversity will continue to be an inspiration for us all. A beautiful soul who we will all carry with us and be in our hearts forever.
Rest peacefully Mom, Sue, Granny Sue, Great Granny. We love you so very much.
A cremation will follow and there will be a private celebration of life for family and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Friends of Algonquin Park (www.algonquinpark.on.ca) or the Toronto Humane Society (www.torontohumanesociety.com.).
Online condolences through www.turnerporter.ca.