On Wednesday, June 20 Sue Stewart passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. The UBC Rehabilitation Science Online Programs as well as the Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science, and Department of Physical Therapy are mourning the loss of their colleague. Sue taught for many years in both departments, and more recently in the Master of Rehabilitation Science program. Her energy, enthusiasm and unending positivism will be greatly missed by all. We extend our deep felt condolences to her husband Bill and their three children.
Sue was part of the first graduating class of the online Masters in Rehabilitation Program at UBC in November 2007. She did a qualitative study on Electronic Mentoring and examined its usefulness as a method of providing clinical support to sole charge therapists in remote locations. It was published in the International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation in April 2009. This research project fueled Susan’s passion for using technology in continuing education and clinical support. She then developed and piloted training modules for electronic mentors in five health regions in BC.
Sue was a Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC and taught pediatric neurology to the entry-level physical therapy students and normal development to the occupational therapy students. She worked at Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children and her main research interest was in the effects of prenatal substance exposure on children. Specifically she was involved in research examining the possible effects of the mother’s use of anti depressants on the early development of their children.
Sue loved the outdoors and took every opportunity to ski and hike with her three children and husband in the coastal mountains.
Sue’s funeral service will be held at St. John’s Anglican church in Vancouver (5350 Baillie St. at West 37th Ave between Cambie and Oak) at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday June 30.
Please post any memories or thoughts you may have to help us remember Sue, her leadership, passion and contribution to the rehabilitation community.
Sue was such a unique blend of professional passion, political savvy, and absolute commitment to positive human relationships. I had the fun of four years at Queen’s with her, when we were straight out of high school and doing our original physio degrees. Was surprised and delighted to find her a classmate again, when we were both taking the MRSc program.
Sue’s commitment to life, family, community, and profession has inspired me all along – and always will. Rest in peace, Sue.
It was just wonderful having Sue in the halls of our Department here at UBC. She was chatty (more yappy) and had a positive spin for each eventuality. Students loved her classes. She was dedicated to their learning but also to inspiring this next generation. Her bounce, energy, and love of life was infectious.
Sue – good on you for making every minute mean something and living life like it was meant to be lived. You will be dearly missed.
Sue and I crossed paths periodically over the years I was involved in the School of Rehab Sciences and I always enjoyed our conversations. It seems like only a short time ago that she came to talk to me about her e-mentoring project and ideas for expanding it. Always full of ideas and energy, Sue was a delight to see. You will be missed Sue – may your journey be full of light.
It was with great sadness I heard about Sue. Immediately, I thought of her spunk, her smile and her intent passion. I loved starting a new on-line course and seeing her name – always a sign of the lively discussions to come. I was pleased to graduate with Sue because it meant that I got to meet her. All the enthusiasm, wisdom and intelligence were present in abundance along with a great dose of humour. I will miss Sue and I am so fortunate to have known her. Sue, you will live in our hearts.
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I had the pleasure of knowing Sue as an on-line classmate in several courses, and then was very fortunate to meet her in person when I came to Vancouver for my graduation. When I think of Sue, I think of her endless energy, her enthusiasm for learning, her support of learners, her commitment to family, and her smile. My sincerest condolences to her family and colleagues.
Meeting Sue at UBC over the last 20 years was always a delight. Her positive energy, strong commitments to what she most valued, and quick wit came through in any encounter. Even when teaching and learning challenges arose which they always do, Sue tackled them head on – keen to find creative solutions. Sue was full of ideas to push the edge forward for positive change and her ideas will continue to be realized. I will greatly miss you Sue.
Sue’s energy, dedication and willingness to share and mentor has been such a positive influence for so many. I have always admired her ability to balance clinical practice, mentorship, teaching, extra projects…. and most importantly time for her family. She was one of the first therapists I met as a new grad that inspired me to strive higher and constantly search for solutions. As a TA of hers in the Child Development course she taught, I saw her delight in the material she was teaching. I feel blessed to have known her.