A gentle soul, Sue was the kindest neighbour for many years in Mount Pleasant where she often walked my Golden Retrievers as she was home recovering from cancer treatments. She often said it was good therapy and part of her recovery. I’ll never forget her gentle demeanor and generous heart. My deepest condolences to Rod and family.

The news of Sue's latest struggle with ovarian cancer, and then being moved to palliative care, was devastating to hear. It meant there was no remission this time.

Sue really was one of those rare people who was truly happy in life no matter the challenges and had a way of imparting this on you even in your down moments.

She was one of the originals in our book club which has been going for a couple of decades. Sue was never fussed about whether she read the book or not - the real benefit of book club was the gathering of friends (and baking and sharing wine). She was right. Her spirit will be with us each and every gathering and that will be a comfort to all of us. I'll also remember her cats and how much she loved them. The cats absolutely thought they, too, were book club members and made visits to each of us as they saw fit.

Rod, Sue adored you and the love the two shared was a privilege to witness. Thank you for being such a wonderful husband and friend to her. We are here to help in any way we can.

Sue, you are not with us now but you will not be forgotten. Your smile and kindness lives on.

We extend our deepest sympathies to to Rod and family. We ore saddened at this news. We very much enjoyed your visit to Nova Scotia and will be thinking of you at this time. Beth & Bill Thompson

To Rod and Family,

Our deepest sympathies to you.

How do you put into words the loss, you feel of a dear friend.

Sue’s kindness and gentleness just shone from her the minute you met her. She had an uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in a room, because she was so easy to talk too and be with.

We have so many great memories of our time spent together, where we met Sue and Rod in Bogota, Colombia, in 1995. We will never forget all the wonderful times together and cherish the newfound ritual of drinking Aquardiente out of Totuma Cups and planning so many get togethers, one of which was Rod and Sue’s going away party and her gift of her own personal “Escolta”( bodyguard) to protect her back home. An example of her infectious , laugh , that we can still hear.( See photos) We were also very fortunate to be able to reconnect with Rod and Sue back in Canada and planned visits in Calgary and BC.

Farewell Sue. God knows when we shall meet again.

John and Gaylene Skalski

Kind, generous, fun-loving. My dear friend of 30 years - so many fun times and great stories. The most important thing I gained from the Tourism Program at S.A.I.T was my true friendship with Susan Rutherford. You will be missed immensely.

Diane Heard

My deepest condolences to Rod and the rest of Sue's family. Rod and Sue first met my ex-wife and I in Bogota, Colombia in 1995 when they picked us up from the airport and we became close friends very quickly and went on few trips and adventures together in the 4 years we were there. I still remember Sue coming to our apartment for dinner with her Superstore container full of wine and food. We all made fun of it but it we all knew that how Sue was: a loving and giving person. Rest in peace Sue.

Phil

I have so many memories of Sue. I worked with her for twenty plus years at MRU and shared the back office in the desk next to her for much of that time. I'm sure our office mates thought that we were having way to much fun, as her laugh would carry through to the front of the office and co workers would step in to see what all the fun was about, At one point we were doing the three minute Dr Oz office work out routine, which included waving arms and lifting legs, and always with an eye on the door in case anyone walked by. We couldn't get through it without laughing, And it has to be said, we always got our work done. Sue had the biggest heart. Always thought more of others than she did of herself. Always remembered birthdays and usually brought the cake. My heart is aching for Rod and her family. God grant you whatever it is you need to get through this difficult time.