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Van Ree, Susan
Born: December 17, 1963
Passed: December 18, 2021
Service:
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 12:00 a.m.

Van Ree, Susan

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SUSAN RENEE VAN REE (née NYHOFF), beloved wife of Ken Van Ree, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 18th, 2021, at the age of 58.

SUSAN RENEE VAN REE (née NYHOFF), beloved wife of Ken Van Ree, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 18th, 2021, at the age of 58. 

Susan is survived by her loving family, her husband Ken, her children Kalie and Braeden (Ingrid), her granddaughter, Octavia, as well as her mom, Sharron Nyhoff, her three brothers, Darren (Cindy) Nyhoff, Doug (Karen) Nyhoff and their children Taylor (Brigid), Mason, and Kennedy, and Kevin (Mairi) Nyhoff and their children Olivia and Asher, along with her in-laws Dick and Koshie van Ree, and Diana Fay and her children Travis (Jen) and Ryan. Susan was predeceased by her dad, George Nyhoff. 

Susan loved many of the simple things in life, and especially enjoyed making memories with her family and friends. Travelling, camping, golfing, playing games, and knitting were some of her greatest joys. Susan felt blessed to have had many great people in her life with whom to share experiences, adventures and memory making moments. 

Susan was passionate about teaching and making a difference in a child's life by helping them discover the joy of learning and reading. Even though she no longer taught children, she continued to provide advice, guidance, and teachable moments to those she loved. 

Once diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, Susan learned to find joy in the life she was living, even if it was not the journey and adventures she had planned. She faced many challenges with strength, courage, determination, and positivity. A special thanks to all those who provided support, comfort, care, wisdom, hugs, and laughs along the way. 

Susan always looked forward to catching sunsets at the end of the day. She enjoyed the peace and calm provided by a sunset and believed them to be proof that endings can be beautiful too.

At Susan's request, a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider honouring Susan by doing an act of kindness to make a difference in someone else's day.

Guestbook (27)

Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Susan.

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Susan was an inspiration and someone I always wanted to emulate. My heart goes out to Ken and family. Cherish your memories.

Catrine Tudor-Locke, January 7, 2022

Today I found out the Mme Van Ree had passed away and my heart hurts. She was my kindergarten teacher, and I loved her so!

Ashley Danish, January 5, 2022

It was such a treat to work with your Mom. She was such a caring and patient teacher. But more than anything, she was a proud Mom. She was so happy to share your accomplishments and updates since our dance days.My deepest condolences to your whole family.

Mackenzie Penner, December 27, 2021

Dear Ken and family, Susan will be missed, but her memory will stay in the hearts of those who had the chance to share moments of their lives with her. I had that privilege and I am very thankful. Sending you love!

V ronique Joncas, December 27, 2021

Ken and Family, know that you are in our thoughts. Robin

Robin Tudor, December 26, 2021

Dear Sharon and family sending our deepest sympathies.

Curtis & Henka Campbell, December 24, 2021

Dear Ken and family,,,, I have asked about Susan several times when returning to the cancer center. I have thought of her numerous times. I want to express our most sincere condolences to you. She was a beautiful soul, who fought with such courage. Our sincere condolences to you at this time.

Monty & Shelly Sailer, December 23, 2021

To our dear friend Kenny, kalie & Braeden & family. With heavy hearts we send our sincere condolences. Sue was such a lovely, lovely person. So kind, gentle & life loving. Our heart breaks for you Kenny. We will miss our card playing team mate & wine sharing friend. Kevin will always remember her saying 'that it cannot be a Pinot, because I love this wine!'. We we're always dreaming that life would return to normal, but now know that it will never be. See you on the other side our friend. With love the Bannister's xx Xxxxxxxxx

Kevin, Denise & family, December 23, 2021

we are so sad to hear about Susan. Our most heartfelt and deepest sympathy to all her family. May treasured memories provide some comfort to your hearts.

Rittenhouse family, December 23, 2021

Susan was a lovely little girl when I taught her as a second grade student at Agnes Davidson.

Linda Cook, December 23, 2021

Mme Van Ree was my own kindergarten teacher and, later, a colleague and mentor. Susan taught me and hundreds of other children their first words in French, and then taught me and countless other teachers how to inspire children in French. Her legacy of bilingualism, kindness and life long learning will endure for years to come. My deepest condolences to her family for your loss. Merci, ch?re Mme Van Ree.

Jessica Schultchen, December 22, 2021

I extend my deepest sympathy on the passing of Susan, a much loved wife, mother, daughter, and friend. Susan will always be remembered for her love, kindness, and passion for life. I had the pleasure of teaching with her at Agnes Davidson. I am so grateful for our final hug at the carol singing. Sunsets will always have a new meaning for me.

Helen McDonald, December 22, 2021

My sincere condolences to Susan's family. I have been thinking of you all during this difficult time. Susan was so patient and generous. I was lucky to be able to work with her at Ecole Nicholas Sheran and get to know her kind spirit.

Jeanine, December 22, 2021

Ken & family.... We would like to extend our sincere condolences on the loss of Susan. She was such a wonderful person with her contagious smile. She always had time for a back alley chat. She will be sadly missed & forever loved by this whole neighborhood. God Bless all of you during this sorrowful time....

Norm & Diane Winteringham, December 22, 2021

Mme Van Ree taught our son Grade 2 at Ecole Agnes Davidson School. She was a lovely person and an excellent teacher. We are so sorry for your loss.

Kerry & Andrea Chan, December 22, 2021

Ken: To you and your family and all of the Nyhoff family my deepest condolences.

Daniel Heaton, December 21, 2021

My sincere sympathies to the Van Ree and Nyhoff families. Susan was a wonderful teacher to my son and always had a smile whenever you saw her in the halls at school or anywhere in town.

Kathy (Edwards) Jang, December 21, 2021

Dear Ken and the Van Ree family, Sharron and the Nyhoff Family; please know that their are family in Moose Jaw who are very saddened by your great loss. But we also know that you will take your cue from Susan and carry on with the same strength and positivity that she displayed in her life. With much love from Sandra, Erin, Brady and Cody.

Sandra Hamon, December 21, 2021

Ken...my heart grieves for you with the news of Susan's passing. Susan was a part of my youth, with CGIT and the Youth Leadership program at the YMCA. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you journey forward, with memories wrapped in love.

Kellie O'Shea Wirzba, December 21, 2021

Sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Phyllis Stotz, December 21, 2021

Koshie & Dick, So Very Sorry For Your Loss. Our Sincere Deepest Sympathy. Nancy & Don Moyer

Nancy Moyer, December 21, 2021

Our thoughts are with Susan's family. Her courage and love was felt by all. We hope you find the same sense of tranquility and renewal in every sunset.

Roland, Susan, Graham & Emily Milligan, December 21, 2021

I had the pleasure of working with Susan at Nicholas Sheran. She was so lovely, kind, positive, and passionate about helping children and those around her. I remember her amazingly bright smile. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Melanie, December 21, 2021

Susan was an amazing support and colleague to me in her short time at ENSS. I loved her positivity, passion and honesty. She is truly missed.

Crystal Niven, December 21, 2021

It is with great sadness that I express my deepest sympathy to Ken, Kalie, Braeden and family. Susan has been an important asset to many aspects of our lives especially to the growth of French Immersion in Lethbridge. You will be greatly missed Susan!

Rino Villeneuve, December 21, 2021

Gone far too soon. I will view sunsets with you in my heart from now on. Susan, you faced every hurdle with such courage and determination...you are an inspiration. Your family is in my heart?

Kae, December 21, 2021

We offer our deepest sympathy to Susan's family. May her memory be a blessing.

Dr. Neal Johnson & Francine Desjardins, December 21, 2021