Obituary of Susan Jane Burrows

October 25, 1940 – Toronto, Ontario

June 17, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Susan “Sue” Burrows (nee Walters) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, June 17, 2024, at the age of 83 years.

Sue was a fifth-generation Canadian, born in Toronto, ON, to Dr. William and Mrs. Aileen Walters. During her childhood, she was introduced to nature activities, sparking a lifelong love of the outdoors. She was an avid birdwatcher and was rarely seen in nature without binoculars around her neck. In 1949, she joined the 25th Toronto Brownie Pack, beginning a relationship with Girl Guides of Canada that lasted more than 45 years. In her school years, she became active in sports, leading her to graduate from Toronto’s Teachers College in 1960 and pursue a career as a physical education teacher.

Sue married her high school sweetheart, Gerry Burrows, in 1962, and they had three children. The family moved to Calgary, AB, in 1978. Sue was active in raising her children, ensuring they participated in sports, spent time in nature, and holidayed with their extended family. She was an active Girl Guide Leader (nicknamed “Birdie”) and spent countless hours leading troops, teaching leadership skills to unit leaders, and organizing camping trips.

In 1991, Gerry and Sue moved to Priddis, AB, so she could look upon the mountains every day. It was here that she started to breed Golden Retrievers and “adopted” out more than 60 puppies. Gerry and Sue spent almost three decades on their property before returning to Calgary. After Gerry passed away in 2020, Sue moved into an apartment at Fish Creek United Active Living and made a whole new community of friends. Sue will be most remembered for her generous spirit, warm bright smile, positive optimistic nature, and infectious laugh.

Sue is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Jennifer Burrows and Dean Brummet of Portland, Oregon, and Jocelyn Burrows of Calgary; her son and daughter-in-law, Gerald Burrows and Allison Fitch-Markham of Chicago, Illinois, and her grandchildren, Charles and James Brummet, and William, Callum, and Mason Burrows.

A Celebration of Sue’s Life will be held at Red Deer Lake United Church (96187 Spruce Meadows Green, Calgary, AB) on Friday, July 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Church Hall.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Calgary & Southern Alberta Chapter, 1130F – 44 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 4W6 Telephone: (403) 266-5295, www.cfcalgary.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Susan’s family here. The family would appreciate personal stories to pass on to Sue’s five grandsons.

In living memory of Susan Burrows, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.