Susan Hope Lea

Susan Hope Lea (née Walker) died peacefully in the early afternoon of May 31st, 2024.

Sue was a devoted wife and mother, preceded in death by Alan, her beloved husband of fifty-seven years and survived by her cherished sons Gavin, Andrew and Oliver.

Born in Bristol, UK in 1943, Sue spent her childhood in Cardiff, Wales. As a young woman she began her training as a nurse and soon after marrying, they relocated to Montreal Quebec in 1962, spending upwards of 35 years in Montreal where she had and raised her 3 boys.

There, she found her great life’s passion, singing. Sue was a lover of choral music, it was the sound of her soul. An avid listener and knowledgeable about the music, she spent her years in Montreal singing in the choirs of The Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul, St. John The Evangelist, the prestigious Montreal Elgar Choir and as an extra with the Montreal Symphony Choir.

Leaving Quebec for retirement in 1998, they bought a home in Sooke and found their corner of paradise. There she discovered an arts community she adored, joined the Jaguar Car Club of Victoria with her husband and tended to a large garden, all the while forging many new and great friendships. In Sooke, Sue continued singing for a while and upon retiring her voice, she carried on her dedications to the Sooke arts community with many years of work on the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra committee and the Sooke Secret Garden Tour.

Another of Sue’s great passions and skills was for food and cooking. When in her kitchen, she was in her element, surrounded by oodles of culinary books and recipes.

Both her homes on the South Shore near Montreal and in Sooke were known for their warm and welcoming nature, gatherings, great food around a dining room table and lively (sometimes too lively) conversation. Homes by Sue were cozy, full of the sound of music, overflowing with books and banter and gin.

Sue will be greatly missed by her sons and their partners; Gavin (Donna) Lea, Andrew (Craig) Lea and Oliver (Saba) Lea. As well, by her brothers Andrew Walker and Peter Walker, her sister Mary Hollands, her 3 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews in England and a whole host of dear friends in both Montreal and Sooke.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation could be made to the BC SPCA.

A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.

Hedd, Perffaith Hedd (Peace, Perfect Peace)