(February 13, 1938- April 2, 2018) - Suzanne Viirre (nee Huffman), of Barrie, Ontario passed away peacefully on April 2, 2018 at Royal Victoria Hospital, in presence of her husband Norman and children Janet and Erik. She was predeceased by her son Karl and parents Charles Huffman and Jessie Huffman. Survived by her brother, Harry Huffman of Peterborough and grandchildren: Rebecca, Maija, Rosanna, Michael, William and Aleksander. Mother-in-law to Mary Ann Hawke and Gavin Wootton and sister-in-law to Linda Huffman and Ron Viirre (deceased) and Sue Viirre. Aunt to Kerri, Russ, Sonja and Trevor. First cousin to Allen Tully, Margaret Arpin, David Huffman, Jimmy Huffman and Anne Young. There are many grand nieces and nephews, cousins and in-laws.
Suzanne was born in Peterborough, Ontario where she attended school. She went on to the University of Toronto, where she met her husband, Norman. They lived in Toronto and moved to Orillia, Ontario where they raised their children. Suzanne was an active member of many Orillia civic institutions, including St. Paul’s United Church, the YMCA and the Y’s Menettes. After Orillia, she and Norm lived in Horseshoe Valley, Ontario and then Barrie, with many enjoyable days of golf, winter activities, travel and culture. She loved the outdoor life of many lakeside locations, including Chemong Lake, Chandos Lake, Stoney Lake, Mattagami lake, Ivanhoe Lake and Lake Couchiching, starting with family picnics, to working as a high school student at a fishing lodge and later relaxing at resorts and numerous cottages of friends and family.
Suz encouraged her family through their university careers to success in Teaching, Mathematics, Medicine, Business, Science and Computer Science. She was a loving and supportive mother-in-law to Mary Ann and Gavin. Nanny loved and enjoyed her grandchildren, with a special place for all six of her favourites. She had a great fashion sense, especially for Christmas Jammies. As a Viirre, she embraced the culture and language of Finland, where the name originated.
A keenly interested business-person and leader, she was the medical practice manager for dental and ophthalmology offices in Orillia. She went on to a later career as a real estate agent as she enjoyed helping people buy homes, a major milestone of their lives. As a community leader for her city and country, she was a member of the Board of Directors of both the Orillia YMCA and National Committee of the YMCA, President of the Orillia Y’s Menettes, District Governor and member of the National and International Committees of the same organization and was President of the Orillia Real Estate Board. She was actively involved in the Barrie Grandmothers and Grandothers.
She loved and appreciated being with her all of her friends including: the Annual Tours with her high school group, the Get-togethers, Friends from the YMCA and Y’s Menettes, Friends from ODCVI, Friends from Timmins, the Laine Group, the College Crowd, Horseshoe Valley friends including the Valley Girls, People of Southwinds Terrace and the Cairn Group.
Singing was a lifelong passion for Suzanne, literally from when she was being placed in the preschool choir, to church choirs, to the Jubilee Chorale and BraVado!. She practiced intensely and strove for excellence. Her children well remember her lovely voice ringing through St. Paul’s and at home with Christmas carols.
In retirement, she loved to come to warmer climes, especially visiting with Erik and his family in San Diego and Janet and her family in the Kawarthas. She travelled to Finland, New Zealand, the British Isles, Mexico and China. In her last months, she fought mightily with cancer, and quietly succumbed to her rest. Great thanks to the Palliative Care Unit and the staff of Royal Victoria Hospital for their treatment, care and concern.
Suz was a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother and friend. Her loves were her family, friends, singing and the bountiful offerings of life in Canada and around the world.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, or to the charity of your choice. http://grandmotherscampaign.org/
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday April 22, 2018, 2 to 5 PM at the Heights of Horseshoe Ski and Country Club: 1106 Horseshoe Valley Rd W, Barrie, ON L4M 4Y8. (705) 835-7887. Information available through Mundell Funeral Home in Orillia or Jennett Funeral and Cremation Center in Barrie.