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November 4, 1946 - January 14, 2022
It is with heavy hearts we share that Susan Gail Maratos (nee Forrest) passed away peacefully on January 14, 2022 with her devoted family by her side.
Susan was caring, loving, colourful, zany and fun. Her kindness and generosity of spirit left a lasting impact on everyone she crossed paths with.
Susan was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 4, 1946 to parents George and Helen Forrest. The Forrest family moved to Victoria when Susan was a young girl. Raised in Farfild, George and Helen's family eventually grew to be six daughters! Their sisterly bond has only grown tighter through the decades and the distances. Victoria is where Susan lived her entire life. It was in Victoria where she would meet her greek husband, Captain Raymond Maratos, who was first drawn to Susan's long, mini-skirted legs.
Together they would bring three children into the world, and have many adventures together, including travel to several far flung destinations. They were married for 46 years.
For Susan, her children were her everything and family was her number one priority. As the wife of a sea captain, she often took care of the kids on her own. It was a job she cherished and thrived at. She always made sure life was full of fun and laughter and that her children felt immense love and security.
Susan was the gregarious neighbourhood Mom, where her childrens' friends would love to gather and soak up the shenanigans of the Maratos household. As her children grew, Susan instilled valuable life lessons such as integrity, honesty, generosity, kindness, confidence and esteem. For that, they are eternally grateful.
Embracing the strong work ethic learnt from her own parents, Susan's first job, at 14, was at the iconic Dutch Bakery, and then later, as a young newlywed, at the Rocky Point Ammunition Depot in Metchosin. She savoured this period of independence and freedom for her; a time to "spread her wings", as she would say. One of her proudest moments was buying BRAND NEW jackets for all five of her sisters with her own money; "hand me downs" were the norm for a family of eight in the 50's & 60's, so this was a BIG DEAL for all the girls, including Susan - it still gets mentioned to this day. She spent many years campaigning, door to door, for the March of Dimes and also supported many other charities over the decades. After staying home to raise her children, she resumed work life and over the next two decades she could be seen baking bread, pepperoni cheese sticks and other tasty treats at Oakcrest, Thriftys and Wellburns.
Food was just one of the ways Susan showed her love. Many will remember her as the smiling, sassy woman at the bakery. Always the talented Wordsmith, words brought her much joy, from being an avid reader to proper grammar and spelling to crafting poetry. Susan's thoughtfulness ensured she never missed an important date. She loved to fete others with greeting cards, often accompanied by a special poem she wrote specific to the person being honoured. She was also a very speedy typist! She delighted in celebrations, even celebrating the beginning of each month by sending out friendly "Happy Month" texts. She had a passion and a talent for crocheting and made custom Christmas stockings that she gifted to many, many, many over the years. She took great pride and satisfaction in all these accomplishments.
The last few years of Susan's life were more challenging for her, but she delighted in spending time with her family and playing boggle and backgammon, two of her favourite games. We take peace in knowing she is reunited with her husband and her parents, as well as the many loved ones that have passed before her. Susan is predeceased by her husband Captain Ray Maratos and her parents, George and Helen. She is survived by her three children:Jennifer (Trevor), George (Caili) and Marie (Alan); four grandchildren - Ferguson, Avey, Maya and Finnigan; five sisters Heather (Konrad), Liz (Ron), Nancy (Greg), Barbara (Bob) and Judy (Bruce); cousins Bev (Bob) and Charles; brother-in-law Nick (Toula); sisters-in-law Nancy and Rita (Claude); many nieces, nephews and other extended family, as well as many friends, near and far. She will be dearly missed by all forever.
We'd like to thank Doctor Amy Tan and Doctor Amanda Wang at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital as well as all the staff in the ER, acute and palliative care units.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Alzheimers.ca or a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at First Memorial (4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria BC) on April 16, 2022 at 2pm. If you would like, please wear a colourful outfit. To honour Susan, take time to brighten someone's day with a smile, a friendly word, a card, a small gesture or a loving hug. It's what Susan would do.