March 9, 1950 – April 6, 2026
Susan died on April 6, 2026, at age 76, with the dignity and bravery with which she lived her life. She died surrounded by her loving family. Born in St. Catherine’s, Ontario, she grew up in Niagara-on-the-Lake with her parents, three brothers, and a close extended family.
Susan was predeceased by her husband Jake (1949-2008), after 37 years of marriage. She is survived by daughter Alex and her husband Lee, and son Eric and his partner Carissa. Her grandchildren Maren (21), Bronwyn (19), and Emmet (10) were the joys of her life. She is also survived by her brothers: Robert, Ted, and Chris, their families, and cherished in-laws.
In 1971, Susan married her high-school sweetheart, Jake Vander Wal. Together they moved from the comforts of southern Ontario to Lappe, just outside of Thunder Bay. Their youth, naiveté, and lust for adventure led them to rent a tiny summer camp on Trout Lake where they lived for 8 years. By the late 70’s Susan and Jake began to build their forever-home on 3rd Concession (now Salmi Road), where they raised their children. By encouraging a life outdoors as much as in, Susan instilled in her children a strong sense of curiosity, responsibility, and independence. Susan created and shared many adventures, camping, fishing, hiking, and skiing, with her children, husband, and friends. Susan devoted much of her time to helping others, from the MS Society to Westway. She also enjoyed her time as the administrator at Thunder Bay Midwives.
Susan will be remembered for her independent, adventurous spirit and passion for the outdoors. After Jake’s death, Susan asserted she would continue to live an independent country life, heating with wood, gardening, shoveling for ten more years. In that time, she would continue to participate in local bird counts and nurture neighbourhood relationships. Ten years became 18, right up until her unexpected and progressive diagnosis of cancer in early 2026.
With fifty years of building community in both Lappe and Thunder Bay, Susan fostered many close friendships built through the neighbourhood and an intentionally active life. For 25 years she was very engaged with the local Tai Chi community. She participated in hiking, biking, and snowshoeing groups with friends. She enjoyed time with the Murillo Library Book Club. She had recently bought new cross-country skis to use at Lappe Ski Centre this winter and was looking forward to improving her golf game this summer.
Later in life, Susan realized many of her dreams to travel. In 2009, Susan and Eric drove to the Yukon to see Carissa. She travelled to China in 2012. She loved the north and travelled with two Adventure Canada cruises that included stops in the Canadian Arctic, Labrador, and Greenland. Susan also made numerous visits to Newfoundland to visit her grandson, Emmet. In May 2025, Alex and Susan went on an epic train tour of Scotland.
Susan will be dearly missed by a wide range of family and friends that grew through the many lives she lived. She was particularly close with her grandchildren, who always felt her love and support. It is through them that her memory, love, appreciation of the natural world, and wisdom will live on.
Susan’s family is grateful for the excellent care at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, especially from the skilled and compassionate nurses of 1A, and Drs Ward, Bezanson, Delpaggio, Aly, Lubbers, and Simpson.
A celebration of Susan’s life will be held in the summer of 2026. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in her name to Multiple Sclerosis Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. On-line condolences can be made at www.sargentandson.com.
