After a courageous battle with ovarian cancer, Susan passed peacefully in her own home on Friday, August 2, 2024, in her 64th year surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She is survived by her son, Jordan, of Guelph, and her daughter, Faythe, of Ariss, her father Murray, of Elora, as well as uncles, aunts, and cousins. She is predeceased by her mother, Evelyn. Born in Fort William, Susan spent most of her childhood in Ontario’s north as her father worked to build and maintain provincial highways in Kenora, Thunder Bay, New Liskeard, and Owen Sound before finally settling in Aurora. An only child who moved house frequently, Susan learned to rely on her love of story, her musical and artistic talents, as well as her rich imagination and curiosity to entertain herself. These skills served her well when Susan became a teacher in 1991. She taught for many years, beginning in Palmerston for the Wellington County School Board where she met Nancy, her best friend, harmony sister, and frequent travel companion. Susan then transferred to Guelph and continued with the newly formed Upper Grand District School Board. After an extended leave to be a loving stay at home mom, Susan settled into John McRae Public School, teaching primary French immersion. Her classrooms were always brightly decorated and alive with creativity flowing from her belief in student-focused programming. Over the years, Susan developed many unique learning activities designed to foster a love of learning and build self-confidence in her pupils. As a gifted musician, Susan used music daily to enrich all aspects of the curriculum as well as to teach social skills and self-worth to her young students. Susan also wrote a multitude of educational songs and musical plays for primary choir which the children performed at public concerts and ceremonies with Susan accompanying them on her strumstick. Some of her colleagues continue to use these songs in their own programs. As Susan’s health became problematic, she was unable to remain in the classroom, but she embraced the opportunity to teach online during the pandemic as long as she could. Over the years, Susan wrote so many incredibly beautiful songs which reflected her deep passion for life. Her love of music also led her to many performance partnerships beginning with Nancy Mattys in the Guelph Public Library with their children in tow, and culminating with her partner, Mark Willms, at various venues in Guelph and Kitchener, and online during the pandemic where her beautiful voice and musicianship shone. Susan would like to thank her daughter, Faythe, whose exceptional care and dedication on this journey eased her suffering in so many ways. Her family and friends would also like to thank Dr. Chris Lund, the staff at the oncology chemo suite, and the palliative care team at Groves Memorial Hospital, for their exceptional care and compassion. Many thanks also are extended to Bayshore and Saint Elizabeth home care nursing specialists who made it possible for Susan to remain at home. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to the Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Cancer Society and Groves Memorial Hospital in Susan’s name would be appreciated. A tree will be planted in memory of Susan J. Sinclair-Wynne in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. Some of Susan’s original songs can be found here: www.youtube.com/@SusanSinclair-l4r
