Grand Anse, NS
August 14, 1942 - March 8, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Wife, Sister and Aunt at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital on Friday, March 8th.
Susan was the daughter of the late Mary Irene and John (Jack) Dougald Matthews of Grand Anse. She grew up in a large family with 17 siblings.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years Valma Dorey of MacIntyre Lake, son, Kenny Dorey (Cheryl), MacIntyre Lake, daughter, Bonnie Dorey, Grand Anse, son, Ben Dorey (Corene), Cleveland. She is also survived by brothers, Carl, James and Alexander and sisters, Edna and Jean; grandchildren, Kristina (Elisha and her son Bryson), Devin (Madison), Dalton and her special little boy Breton. Also left to mourn are her Godson: Bert Matthews; many nieces and nephews who she loved and cared for as her own; expanded family, Normand (Melanie and their daughter Ryleigh), Dorothy (sons Chase & Carson), Mitchell (Nikita and their daughters Quinn & Emmie) and Colin.
She is pre-deceased by brothers, Charlie (in infancy), Wallace, Mattie, George, Johnny, Eddie, Tommy, Arthur and Hubert and sisters, Loretta (in infancy), Cassie & Florence.
Susan’s love was her family: she loved it when the table was full. You never left her house with an empty belly. Her kindness had no bounds. Her door was open to anyone for a cup of tea, a hot meal and of course her amazing baking (she always made sure Benjie had dessert). She welcomed many people into her house to live and ensured that it felt like their home. Her caring and nurturing ways touched many including family, friends, neighbors and even strangers.
She loved playing bingo and cards. She was always up for a game of crib or auction and would keep playing as long as the cards were dealt. She looked forward to Sundays when her brother Sander and Rose would come faithfully for two years, with the gang for a big scoff and the card game that followed.
She was the happiest when surrounded by her family, especially her three children and her grandchildren who were her pride and joy. Kenny was her “rock” and ensured she never felt alone whether it was going on a road trip or visiting her in hospital when restrictions only allowed one visitor; Bonnie was her strength when hers began to fail and cared for her just like Ma cared for so many. Bonnie learned her nurturing ways from Susan who cared for her own mother for many years; Benjie was her comic relief, “the most talented entertainer” and could always make her laugh and put a smile on her face. Her love and pride for her children and grandchildren was unmeasurable. Nothing brightened her day more than a visit from her grandchildren, who were so fortunate to have such a fun, caring and nurturing grandmother who played a pivotal role in their upbringing.
Susan lived in MacIntyre Lake with her husband Valma until her health issues required more care, and she moved in with her daughter Bonnie in Grand Anse. When her health issues became more serious, Susan moved to the Inverary Manor, which she loved and considered home. Thank you so much to the staff at the Inverary Manor for welcoming our mom and taking such good care of her. She loved all the staff and they helped to make her time there so enjoyable. We would also like to thank the staff at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital for making Mom’s last few days comfortable and pain free.
She always put others needs before her own and worried about everyone. She would call to make sure we were all home safe, even in her darkest hours. But that’s Ma!! She was everyone’s Ma! She will be greatly missed by so many. Fly high with the angels Momma Bear!
There will be no funeral service or visitation as per her request. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
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