Obituary of Susanne Devlin

Susanne Devlin (nee Jamniczky) passed away peacefully on November 9, 2005, with her son and brother by her side. Susy lived a passionate life lived in three acts. Born in Budapest, Hungary, on August 18, 1932, she enjoyed a traditional European childhood, which blessed her with a lifelong love of music, reading and nature. World War II took everything, but gave her a brother, born to the family while refugees in occupied Germany. In 1947, a sinking Canadian minesweeper offered passage to Brazil and a second life. After 20 years of toil and success, love and heartache, Susy departed for a new land once more. Arriving in Montreal, she bought a trans-continental train ticket, but never made it past Calgary. Fate, and an abiding love of the mountains, made this her final home. To celebrate Canada’s Centennial in 1967, she married James Murray Devlin (1932-1997). Together, they had one son, Nicholas. A divorce and family illness brought new struggles, which Susy met with strength and dignity. Her tireless devotion to others, and ability to live well on the most modest of means, were an inspiration. For many years, Susy was a beloved employee at the Calgary Board of Education, at both Sir Winston Churchill High School and Client Services, where her unique spirit touched students and co-workers alike. In retirement, her love of travel took her from the South Pacific’s Cooke Islands to Bathurst Inlet in Canada’s high arctic, and always back to the Rocky mountains, where she found strength and peace. When stricken with cancer, Susy fought it on her own terms, just as she had lived her life, with the force of will that made her unforgettable to all who knew her. Her memory is cherished, and a Memorial Celebration will be held on Sunday, December 4th at 2:30 p.m. at her home (email nick.devlin@gmail.com or call 403-252-7332 for details). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the “Parks Foundation, Calgary”, to erect a bench in Susy’s memory. The Foundation’s address is 225 13th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1N8, Tel: 403.294.8250. In living memory of Susy Devlin, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.