Susan Kirkwood

Mary Susan Kirkwood, aged 77, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026, at Bethell Hospice, surrounded by her loved ones. Born in Montreal in 1949, she was raised in Beaconsfield by her parents, John Regan and Florine 'Fly' Kirkwood, and was the eldest sister to Catharine, Jane, and Diane. A graduate of St. Thomas High School, she began her post-secondary education at the Mother House of the Grey Nuns, training as an administrative assistant. At 19, she moved to Toronto, where she worked for the Government of Ontario and met her future husband, Michael Rota, whom she married in 1970. In the 1980s and 90s, she pursued higher education at St. Michael's College, University of Toronto, earning a bachelor's degree with Honours in Celtic studies. Susan and Michael moved to North Bay in 1991, where they enjoyed a vibrant community and beautiful surroundings. The family expresses gratitude to those who supported Susan in her later years, including the staff at Marina Point and Bethell Hospice.