Susan Margaret Getchell

I remember so well Susan’s care and compassion for life shining forth in her love of telling stories. We will all miss her unique and perceptive love of life.

Bryan… I was sorry to read today of your wife’s passing. The years hurry by, and we too soon lose track of old friends and acquaintances.

I truly am shocked and saddened to learn of Susan’s passing. Susan is a very important part in my storytelling journey. First, as a librarian, fellow storyteller and then friend.
I have been a professional storyteller for the past 24 years and Susan had played a role in my ongoing love of literacy. She was very supported to me and offer her advice but more importantly her time to me.
Over the years, I would run into Susan and always left our encounters feeling like it most definitely was time well spent.
Sue’s professionalism, connection to others and infectious smile will continue to be a very fond memory.
Oh the tales that I know she will continue to tell.
In friendship and admiration,
Dez Sargeant

Dear Bryan,
I was with Donna on Saturday and she told me about Sue’s passing. I’m deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Warm Regards, Annie & Willow

Bryan…my deepest sympathies. I will miss Susan’s wit, cryptic comments, sparkle, anecdotes. She was a real character in every good sense of the word.

Oh My, where to start? Well firstly I am deeply saddened by the passing of Susan. The Getchell’s have been in my life for 25 years and Susan was like a second Mum to me. I have spent countless hours at their home as a child hanging out with Leah, and on occassion, babysitting Hilary. Susan was always so welcoming and would often invite me to stay for dinner’s, or would allow a sleepover for Leah and I (I’m sure much to her dismay). I remember during sleepovers we would hear Susan stomping on floor to signal we were being too giddy and to get to sleep. As we became teenagers and Susan would let Leah drive the car, she would often pump the “air brake” if Leah was going too fast. Susan was truly one of a kind! Always indulging us during our New Kids on the Block and Backstreet boys days. She would put the music on and dance right along with us. When I became a mother, Susan would often tell me what a wonderful job I was doing (words I needed to hear). I have many more memories and could go on and on. I have loved listening to Susan tell stories and listening to her infectious laugh. She was always so kind and so positive. She was just an overall wonderful person and I am so glad I’ve had the privelage of knowing her for so many years. Leah and Hilary, you have both grown into beautiful women and I know your Mum is proud of who you’ve become. And Byran, you are a remarkable man who Susan loved tremendously. Hold memories of her close to you. Cry when you need to, but also smile in the life she lived and shared so lovingly with you. I will hold you all in my prayers!

Sheri and Family

My condolences to Susan’s family. She was an inspiration to me when she taught at FIMS. I loved her classes, and most enjoyed that she spent the final 15-20 minutes reading aloud from The Tale of Despereaux to a room full of grown adults! She continued to encourage me whenever she popped in where I work, as a children’s librarian at London Public Library. She was a magnificent woman with a heart for storytelling and I will always remember her passion for children and for sharing stories with them. What an inspiring woman!
Peace to you in this time of remembrance and mourning.

Hello Bryan,
I met Susan through storytelling. She came to some of the storytelling events we had in St. Marys. Such a gentle soul. Today I was looking her up on the internet to invite her to a spring performance, and was so surprised and sad to learn of her passing. Condolences and blessings to you and your family.
Nancy