CROUSE, Susan Anne (Adams)
October 28, 1948 – December 13, 2021
After a period of declining health, Susan Anne (Adams) Crouse passed away peacefully in hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia on December 13, 2021. First child and only daughter of Walter Richard Adams (originally of Montreal, QC) and his wife Emily (Bishop) Adams of Kentville, NS, Susan was born in her mother’s hometown on October 28, 1948.
Predeceased by her parents and her husband, Laurie K. Crouse, Susan is survived by her brother Neil (Mary Ellen) Adams of Almonte, ON; daughters Karen (Doug) McLean of Saint John, and Krista (John) Alford of Beaver Bank, NS; cherished granddaughter Emily Alford of Beaver Bank, NS; special cousin Juanita Bezanson of Port Williams, NS; and numerous relatives.
In her early life, Susan lived in several communities in the Maritimes, including Kentville, Fredericton, Rothesay, and Saint John. She graduated from Netherwood School in the mid-1960s, and in 1980 made the Halifax area her permanent home. Originally a legal secretary, she grew her professional skills and spent 20 years as a bookkeeper for businesses large and small.
A strong and resourceful single mom, Susan raised her two daughters while knitting them sweaters and mittens, canning pickles, creating handmade chocolates, and serving as a Brownie and Girl Guide leader. But it was in her role as “Meema” to Emily that Susan really shone. For Susan, there was no brighter light in the world than that of her granddaughter’s smile; Emily was someone of whom Susan was deeply proud and for whom she had an endless supply of unconditional love.
In her post-retirement years, Susan became increasingly reliant on her daughter Krista and her son-in-law John, who ensured that Susan had everything she needed. Indeed, Susan’s apartment in Lower Sackville was an extension of the Alford home in Beaver Bank, with holiday gatherings and near-daily visits keeping Susan at the heart of their family. She is very much missed by those whose lives she touched.
This post was created as part of Two Writing Teachers’ Slice of Life Challenge.
You can view other writers’ contributions via the comments here.
Beautifully written. My deepest condolences.
Much love to you, my friend.
What a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing this. Sending you love and light.
Karen – what a beautiful and generous tribute to your mom. Keeping you in my thoughts. I’m here for anything you need.
Lovely tribute, KJ. Thinking of you.
Sending you lots of hugs, Karen. Beautiful tribute to your mom.
Beautiful tribute! Sending you love and light.
My sincere condolences to you in your family what a beautiful tribute sending hugs ❤️
Very nice memorial for your Mom. Condolences to you and your family.
She sounds like a woman of amazing strength and resourcefulness. That wonderful photo imparts such peace. Makes me think of how she must have embraced life and all that she loved…and how love lives on. Much courage and strength to you each day, Karen.