MOUAT, Susan Joy

Susan Joy Mouat (“Sue”) who was born in Cumberland, BC on January 26, 1923, died peaceful in Victoria, BC on May 12, 2025. Predeceased by her husband, Ivan, sons Manson, Teddy and Greig, Sue is survived by her children, Jeremy (Lynda Ross) of Fredericton, Mary (Don Miller) of Victoria, Jen Ritson (Phil Ritson) of Salt Spring and her daughter-in-law Wendy (Preston Lamp) of Bellingham, WA. Sue is also survived by grandchildren, Tara Kingman, Nikos Mouat, Katya Campbell, Zander Ritson, Ted Ritson and Raechel Ritson and eight great grandchildren. In addition to her children, Sue is survived by her loving nieces and nephews, in particular, Garet and Wayne Mouat.

Sue recalled a halcyon childhood, growing up in Royston and being the youngest child of Mary and Ted Greig. Whether it was her parents’ garden or her happy childhood, Sue was a passionate gardener and a very loving mother. 

Sue graduated as a registered nurse in 1944, and it was during a stint of private nursing on Salt Spring Island where she met, and soon married, William “Ivan” Mouat, a dashing former RCAF/RAF fighter pilot. Initially, Mum and Dad lived on Salt Spring, then moving to Nanaimo where Ivan began his career in education. Ivan’s career ensured moves became a part of Sue’s life and wherever they lived, Mum made a home, made friends and almost without exception, she found a way to garden. 

While initially Sue was known as Ivan’s wife or WM’s daughter-in-law, all that changed when she and Ivan returned to Salt Spring in the 1970’s. Sue returned to nursing and worked at Greenwoods until her retirement in the late 1980’s. In addition to working at Greenwoods, Sue was active in all aspects of island life, from the Hospital Auxiliary, Options for Sexual Health, Historical Society, and, Grandmother for Grandmothers, to name a few. 

Sue had an inquiring mind and – often with her sons’ advice – she was very well read. While Sue rarely sought or was in the spotlight, she valued the dedication by Charles Kahn in his book, Salt Spring, The Story of an Island, which reads, “This book is dedicated to Sue Mouat, without whom this project would never have happened and to the residents of Salt Spring Island…”

Sue and Ivan enjoyed a long and happy retirement, which included fabulous parties, travel and for Mum, building gardens – first in Fulford, then at Baker Road aka Baker Lake and latterally at Brinkworthy. Even a move to Meadowbrook didn’t stop Sue from gardening and with the help of Michele Layard, she had a wonderful little garden there, complete with a lettuce patch.

In addition to her volunteer work, Sue supported a variety of island non-profit organizations, including the ACW, Island Pathways and the Salt Spring Island Conservancy. Walking through the Saturday market with Mum was a bit like trailing the Queen; she knew or was known to everyone.

Sue’s family would like to acknowledge and thank everyone at The Summitt in Victoria, from the cleaners, food services and reception. And in particular, the staff at Eagle House. The compassionate and kind care Sue received was deeply appreciated by us all. 

Sue’s funeral will take place at 1 pm on June 14, 2025, at All Saints by-the-Sea Anglican Church on Salt Spring Island. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.