In Memoriam: For My Mother

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.

 


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Karen J. McLean

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