Susan Gail (Langley) Abermann

After her courageous battle with cancer, we are deeply saddened to announce that Susan passed away at the age of 69 on June 14, 2021 with her loving husband by her side.  Sue lived with great strength and courage over the last 3 years, as she battled her cancer.

Sue was born in Oshawa, ON, November 2, 1951 and was predeceased by her mother, Helen Langley, and her father, Douglas Langley of Oshawa, Ontario.  Sue is lovingly remembered by her husband, of 38 years, Raivo (Ray) Abermann, Qualicum Beach, BC; her brother, Mark Langley (Linda), Blackstock, ON; step-son Corey Abermann Hoover (Elaine), California, in addition to many cousins, nephews, nieces and grandchildren.

Sue had extensive experience in all aspects of the planning and operation of long term care facilities and was passionate about her work.  With clinical training in social work and a Master's Degree in Health Administration, she previously worked in Ontario as the administrator of a large municipally owned residential care facility, as well as being a consultant to the Ministry of Health.  Upon her arrival in BC, in 1995, Sue fulfilled numerous leadership roles in the evolving regional health authority system, including Vice President of Seniors and Ongoing Care (CVIHR) and Director of Residential Care Services (VIHA).  After her departure from the Health Authority, Sue opened several new campuses of care on Vancouver Island.  Sue retired as the Executive Director of Kiwanis Village Nanaimo in September 2018.

Sue continued to serve on local advisory committees for community health and long term care, dedicated to the ongoing improvement in the availability and scope of health care services.  Most recently, Sue was coaxed out of retirement to become the Board-appointed Public Administrator for Island Health to oversee the restructuring of several long term care facilities.

Sue's smile lit up a room.  People were attracted to Sue because of her knowledge of the issues and her experience in providing solutions, as well as the organized manner in which they were always presented.  Her photographic memory would remember events, policies, legislation, even telephone numbers from many years back.  Her memory was a tool not to be challenged.  She was a charismatic leader and mentor to those that she worked with, providing insight and encouragement to excel and maximize their capabilities as a team or to promote professional growth individually.  Her compassionate and caring nature endeared her to the residents and staff that she worked with.  Cemented by her generosity, affection and endearing personality, she met and made an army of lifelong friends along her journey.  She was an inspiration to the people that she worked with.

Sue loved her family and her life in Qualicum Beach.  Her home was her sanctuary, especially the back deck.  During the summer, that deck belonged to her.  Sue, her lounge, and with book in hand, would rotate with the sun and comment on how lucky we were to have the beauty of Mt. Arrowsmith as a backdrop.  She loved seeing her "critters" pass through - even if the deer did eat half of her bushes.  She adored Mitzi, her fifth cat adopted from the SPCA.  She loved golfing, hitting a tennis ball, reading (lots of) books and walking the beach, ice cream cone in hand.  Sue will be sorely missed, greatly loved and always remembered.

Cremation has taken place and, at Sue's request, there will be no service.  Should you wish to donate in Sue's memory, her charities of choice are the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Cancer Clinic and the SPCA , Parksville-Qualicum Beach, BC.

Many thanks to Dr. S. Kulla and all the nurses at the NRGH cancer clinic for Sue's wonderful care.