Susan Jane BERRY
1943 – 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Susan Jane “Sue” Berry, who died peacefully on July 23, 2026, at Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa, surrounded by love.
Sue embraced life with boundless curiosity, creativity and an open heart. A lover of literature, languages, theatre and the arts, she found joy in learning, creating and sharing ideas with others. Whether through teaching, reading, writing or conversation, she inspired those around her to see the world with wonder.
Poetry held a special place in Sue’s heart. She was not only an admirer of the written word but also a poet herself, continuing to write, perform and share her work throughout her life. In February, she gave what would become her final public poetry reading.
Sue was a vibrant, colourful soul whose warmth, wit and authenticity drew people to her wherever she went. Her poetry performances at open mics touched audiences of all ages, often leaving people laughing, reflecting or moved to tears. It was nearly impossible to meet Sue without being drawn to her warmth, humour and genuine love for others. At the open mic she regularly attended in Ottawa, she was welcomed to the stage with her own theme song, a testament to the affection and joy she inspired in that community.
For more than two decades, Sue was a cherished member of the Quebec Art Company, where she wore many hats: actor, producer, director, mentor and friend. Her creativity, generosity and unwavering encouragement left a lasting mark on countless artists and collaborators.
Sue is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Guillaume; her son, Marc and daughter-in-law, Hélène; her daughter Kim and her fiancé Drew; her grandchildren Luka, Hugo, Téo and his partner Alizé, Lola and her fiancé Diego, Victor and his fiancé Kevin, Gabriella and her husband Jean-Michel; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Léandre and Paul-Émile; her mother-in-law Mariette, sister-in-law Catherine and fiancé Dominic, and brother-in-law Étienne and wife Tuyen; her brother Pete and sisters-in-law Brenda and Barb. She was predeceased by her brother Robert.
She also leaves behind countless dear friends from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, whose lives were enriched by her warmth, generosity, creativity and boundless curiosity. Her laughter, compassion, and unmistakable presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A celebration of Sue’s life will be held in Ottawa on Sunday, Aug. 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Heart & Crown, 3161 Strandherd Drive, Suite 300.
A memorial service will also be held in Quebec City at Chalmers-Wesley United Church, 78 Rue Sainte-Ursule, on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honour Sue’s memory to donate to a charity supporting the arts, literacy or cancer research, or simply to share a poem, a book or an act of kindness in her memory.