On Susan’s Death

Susan Jeanne Briscoe
November 13, 1966 – August 31, 2018

It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Susan on Friday, August 31, 2018 in Montreal at the McGill University Health Centre (Glen) palliative ward. Her sons, Oliver and Nathan, and her beloved partner, Roy Cross, were by her side. Susan also leaves to mourn her parents Bob and Raye Briscoe, sisters Lorraine and Tracey, brother Rob, nine nieces and nephews, and numerous dear friends.

Susan was born and raised in Montreal. After completing a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at McGill University, Susan moved to Vancouver and worked at a women’s shelter before returning home to Montreal, where her sons were born. Susan’s greatest joy in life were her two sons: Oliver and Nathan. She moved from Montreal to Sutton when her boys were young to give them freedom to roam, explore, and blossom. She home-schooled them at times, and dedicated herself to parenting with love, compassion, and kindness. They were most precious to her and she was so proud of the men they would become.

Susan loved nature and felt deeply connected to all living things; she was particularly fond of the hills and woods and streams of the Eastern Townships. The simple act of walking barefoot over mossy fields, or through tall grasses with bare legs, or witnessing bright sunlight beaming through a tree leaf, brought her such bliss. While living in Sutton she completed a certificate in Fine Arts at Bishop’s University, and earned a Master’s degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Concordia University. Her book of poetry, The Crow’s Vow, was highly praised and regarded as an exceptional work.

Susan was a teacher and researcher at Dawson College in Montreal when she fell ill. After her terminal diagnosis, Susan created The Death Project, a blog in which she beautifully and honestly wrote about living and dying. The blog has touched tens of thousands of readers from all over the world. Susan loved art in all forms and took great pleasure in gallery visits, the ballet, circus, theatre, and cinema. Her taste in music ranged from Bach to Bowie to New Order. She recently created a special Canada Council for the Arts award to support women writers.

And oh, Susan’s radiant, brilliant, wonderful smile! To see it was to feel love. She lived her life with integrity, grace, dignity, and great joy. She encouraged people to give their gifts to the world, to be honest, to be kind, and — most of all — to love. Susan’s light and love will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

The Gentian weaves her fringes—
The Maple’s loom is red—
My departing blossoms
Obviate parade.
A brief, but patient illness—
An hour to prepare—
And one, below this morning,
Is where the angels are—
It was a short procession—
The Bobolink was there—
An aged Bee addressed us—
And then we knelt in prayer—
We trust that she was willing—
We ask that we may be—
Summer, Sister, Seraph!
Let us go with thee!
In the name of the Bee—
And of the Butterfly—
And of the Breeze, Amen!
Emily Dickinson

Special thanks to the oncology department at the Jewish General Hospital and the palliative care unit at the MUHC (Glen). There will be a private ecological burial in the Knowlton Cemetery. A memorial service and reception will be held at the Unitarian Church, 5035 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Montreal on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. Additionally, those who so wish are welcome to celebrate Susan’s life with her family at the Briscoe’s home, 15 Spring Hill, Knowlton, Quebec on Friday, September 7, 2018 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a women’s shelter and/or your local blood bank.