With profound sadness, we announce that Suzanne passed away, along with her husband and partner in all of life's adventures, Alvin (Al) Harold Crosby, as a result of a plane crash in Port Hope on August 13, 2022.
Suzanne was predeceased by her parents Fernand and Liliane (Dubé) Parent of Ottawa, and Al was predeceased by his parents Mary (Hynes) Crosby and Harold Crosby, as well as Helga Crosby. Suzanne and Al are survived by Suzanne's family, her sister, Gisèle (Michael O'Brien), brothers Gilles (Johanne Morin), and Raymond (Bich-Le Truong), as well as nephews ( Patrick O'Brien, Daniel O'Brien (Alycia Douglass), Mathieu Parent (Néomie Duval), Nicolas Parent (Lindsay Gilmore) , and Martin Parent (Sophie LeBrun).
Suzanne is also survived by her uncle, Claude Dubé (Kathy Kriwicki), and many cousins.
Having chosen a career in the federal public service, Suzanne was dedicated to ensuring Canadians received impartial and professional government services, and was recognized for her accomplishments and work in a number of different departments, including the Public Service Commission, Transport Canada, Customs and Excise Canada, and the Canadian Border Services Agency. In her work, as in her home life, she strove to find workable solutions that respected all parties. Her sensitivity to people's needs was admirable.
Al started his military career at Royal Military College (RMC) in Kingston, and was posted to Bagotville, Québec, where , as a Navigator, his duties related to Canada's air defence.
Upon retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces, he continued his career as a federal public servant at Transport Canada in Air Worthiness, and finally the Department of National Defence. As an engineer, Al was dedicated to creating order and clarity where approaches needed a re-think. He and "Spock" had much in common.
Al and Suzanne were passionate and dedicated to their friends and neighbours in their Fairhaven community, and to all causes to protect Ottawa's green and natural spaces, and the special species of nature and animals that inhabit them. Their passion for beautiful gardens and landscapes, and the wonderful results of their hard work, were admired by all who passed by their home.
We will miss their generosity, their compassion for all, their adventurous spirit and positive presence in our lives. Supported by Al in all manner, and inspired by our parents, Suzanne's steadfast devotion to our family remains a source of inspiration to us. The torch is ours to carry now.
Friends are invited to gather at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa on Thursday, September 8th, at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of life will be held at 1:30 p.m. followed by a reception in honour of Suzanne and Alvin.
Those wishing to make a donation may choose a charity of their choice.
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Kathryn Thompson
Cathie Eck (Bray)
Alvin and I were childhood friends and school mates in Port Alberni. I just found out about his death and send my condolences to his sister and friends.
I am so sad to learn that my worst fears have been realized. It was the Suzanne and her husband Al who died in the plane crash at Port Hope.
I worked with Suzanne at Correctional Services and the three of us, Suzanne, Carolyn Williams and myself, spent many an evening adventure after work. I especially remember the night we went up to a cabin in the Gatineau Hills to have dinner and got totally spooked. We screamed and laughed hysterically on the way down to Old Chelsea.
Suzanne, I am sorry that we lost touch with each other and so sorry that your life and Al's have ended so early. I like to think that your lives ended while doing one of the things you most loved.