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SUZANNE FAITH GENDRON
Date of Passing: Mar 29, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySUZANNE FAITH GENDRON
On a beautiful sunny afternoon, surrounded by her family, Suzanne Faith Gendron passed away on March 29, 2025 at the Grace Hospital. She leaves behind heavy hearts and cherished memories.
Suzanne will forever be lovingly remembered by her husband of 40 years, Bill Gendron. She is survived by her children Kyle (Nicole) and Karlee (Cody), her mother Virginia Komher, Bill’s parents Doug and Bridget Gendron, her siblings Kim (John) and Kerry (Vicki), and her in-laws Mark (Jean) and Tracey (John). She was a proud grandmother to Archer, born just a couple weeks ago, and a beloved Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Suzanne was predeceased by her father, Andrew Komher.
Suzanne grew up in Westwood on Browning Boulevard and attended Lincoln and Browning Schools, and Westwood Collegiate. She went on to complete the Civil Engineering Technology program at Red River College, graduating in 1979. Her early career began at Supercrete, testing concrete in their lab, before she moved to Damas and Smith Consulting Engineers. There, she excelled at roadway and shopping centre parking lot design and even worked in their Calgary office in the early 1980s. In 1984, she joined Reid Crowther and Partners, continuing her work in roadway design.
Suzanne met the love of her life, Bill, while working at Damas and Smith, and they were married in May of 1984. They welcomed their son Kyle in 1988 and daughter Karlee in 1991. Summers were spent at the family cottage at Big Whiteshell Lake, where Suzanne found joy in swimming, water skiing, fishing (which she loved), and especially sailing. Over the years, she and Bill raced a restored 1967 Pan Am Snipe, a Fireball sailboat, and eventually a Hobie 16, which they raced often together.
As their children grew older, family life was filled with indoor and outdoor soccer, hockey, baseball, speed skating, and road cycling. Suzanne was the Treasurer of the River Heights Speed Skating Club for three years, and went on to sit on the board of Manitoba Speed Skating as the Vice President of Advanced Programs. She also served as an official recorder for Manitoba Speed Skating, responsible for setting up and recording race times. She recorded at two Canada Cups in Winnipeg, one Canadian Age Class Championship, and one North American Age Class Championship. In addition, she volunteered for several years as the mini soccer convenor for the Whyte Ridge Soccer League.
Suzanne was a wonderful mom. She loved to cook and was always making sure her kids got to every activity—even on nights with multiple overlapping practices and events.
Once her children were in school, Suzanne became a TA/EA with the Pembina Trails School Division, where she thrived in math classrooms thanks to her strong background in engineering and mathematics. When being in the classroom became too difficult due to her MS and mobility challenges, she transitioned to tutoring, working mostly with students from Whyte Ridge Middle School. Most evenings she met with two to three students, and she truly loved working with them one-on-one.
Suzanne was diagnosed with MS in her early 30s, initially experiencing only minor balance issues. As the condition progressed, she continued to lead a full and active life through her 50s—curling, biking, water skiing, snow skiing, and sailing. During this time, she and Bill traveled often, including winter getaways to Cuba and Mexico, and visits to Toronto to see Bill’s parents. Suzanne also traveled near and far to support her children as they competed on national and international stages. She made solo trips—an incredible feat given the challenges of MS—to places like Whitehorse, Salt Lake City, PEI and multiple trips to Calgary, while Bill was working. Together they traveled across Canada to cheer them on. Her dedication, strength, and presence at the sidelines meant the world to her kids, and she never missed a chance to be there, no matter the distance or difficulty.
Bill and Suzanne traveled to Calgary and Lake Louise for Kyle’s wedding in 2017—a joyful and memorable occasion. Later that winter, they spent time in Mesa and Phoenix, exploring and enjoying the warmth. By then, Suzanne had significant difficulty walking and used a small mobility scooter to get around. Bill retired early at age 60, from his 30 year career to become Suzanne’s full-time caregiver, which Suzanne called “Bill Care”.
By 2020, Suzanne used a wheelchair most days and began experiencing recurring hospital stays due to aspirated pneumonia. In 2023, she became a client of the PRIME program at Misericordia Health Centre, which provided her with exercise, crafts, and medical care two days a week. The program became a valuable and uplifting part of her life during her final years.
Suzanne’s strength, grace, and devotion to her family will always be remembered. She was a light in the lives of so many, and her memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved her.
The family wishes to extend their deepest thank you to Bill for the years of unwavering, devoted care he gave to Suzanne. His love, patience, and tireless support allowed her to live with dignity, joy, and comfort through every stage of her journey with MS. We are endlessly grateful for his strength and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Suzanne’s memory to the PRIME program at Misericordia Health Centre or to the MS Society of Canada. Both organizations played an integral role in Suzanne’s life.
The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her wonderful homecare workers Suzanne had over the years, the health care team at the Grace Hospital and PRIME program at the Misericordia Health Centre for their exceptional compassion and care over the years and in Suzanne’s final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Suzanne at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception to share memories and light refreshments.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 05, 2025
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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Bill and family My memories of you, Suzanne, Wendy and i at Damas and Smith. We were all so young and starting out our careers. Sue was a power house and spoke her mind and didn’t take guff from anyone. She was a brilliant person with math and a great drafter. No computers which now I don’t know how we did that. You were a very focussed guy and we’re also very talented and looked after projects like a champ. Although our group went on to other adventures and all of us did well. The service was very moving and it was nice to see you and other old friends. My best heart felt condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Doug denouden (Friend and coworker) on: Apr 13, 2025
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My condolences and thoughts to you Bill, and your family. - Posted by: Maiko, Langelaar Family (past acquaintance) on: Apr 11, 2025
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To Bill, Kyle and Karlee… so sad to hear about Suzanne’s passing . She was such a kind and beautiful person and will be greatly missed by many. I’m so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Shauna Selci (Friend) on: Apr 09, 2025
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Dear Bill and Families, our deepest condolences go out to you all. Suzanne was one of the strongest women I have ever known. She was a fighter with so much style and grace. I will be forever grateful to have shared many experiences with her Yoga, Whole Body Strong, some camping, visits and phone calls. She will always be missed and held close to our hearts. - Posted by: Debbie & Darrell Roskos (Friend and fellow MS’er) on: Apr 09, 2025
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Dear Bill, Kyle, Karlee and families. I am so sorry to hear of Your loss. Suzanne was a friend from my days at Pembina Trails. There were four of us and in June just before the end of the school year we would have a “girls” weekend. Lots of laughs, food and fun. She always spoke so highly of her family and all their achievement. A very proud Mama! I pray the many joyful memories you have will sustain you through this difficult time and beyond. Rest in peace my friend. Linda Gay - Posted by: Linda Gay (Friend from Pembina Trails days) on: Apr 08, 2025
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To the Gendron and Kohmer Families, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences on Suzanne’s passing. She was an extraordinary person whose kindness and strength left a lasting impact on many. Reflecting on the time I shared with Suzanne and her family fills me with gratitude. The warmth and kindness extended to me during those formative years helped shape me in countless ways. Whether it was shared meals, conversations, or wonderful weekends, those moments remain cherished memories that I will always treasure. Suzanne was a remarkable woman, and it saddens me to think of the challenges she endured in recent years. However, knowing she was surrounded by the unwavering love and care of her husband, Bill, and their children brings comfort. His devotion, particularly during her battle with MS, is truly admirable and a testament to his love and to the incredible family Suzanne built. Suzanne and her family will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope this note conveys how much you all meant to me and how Suzanne touched my life. May the cherished memories of her kindness and love bring comfort to you during this difficult time. With respect and sympathy, Juris Snikeris - Posted by: Juris Snikeris (Old friend) on: Apr 07, 2025
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Suzanne will be truly missed, she was a wonderful and considerate cousin. I remember all the crazy times us cousins had together growing up. Whether it was riding bikes from my aunts house in St. James to downtown Winnipeg or jumping off the roof of the house into the pool below. Yeah we did that!🙃 To long games of Monopoly or stock ticker, visiting our grandparents on Matheson Ave. and heading to the corner store to buy penny candy, or helping ourselves to peas and carrots from grandpa's garden, we were never bored. I remember the camping trips to Grand Beach with our aunt and uncle and my cousins, 5 kids, 2 adults and a dog stuffed into a car with no air conditioning, but we didn’t care, we were with our cousins, nothing could be better. Lots of laughs, lots of fun and lots of love. The last time we visited with Suzanne was for her birthday. I enjoyed our visits and our phone calls, simply chatting. I will truly miss those visits and calls. Miss you already Suzanne xoxo Patti - Posted by: Patti (Cousin) on: Apr 06, 2025
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I had the honour of working with Suzanne at Henry G. Izatt School and admired her tenacity, professionalism and dedication. Her work in education very much impacted the success of countless students and she was strong in ways that continue to benefit others. Outwardly gentle, kind and with all systems firing, Suzanne was a powerhouse. My condolences to Gendron Family on the loss of Suzanne. - Posted by: Shirley (co-worker) on: Apr 06, 2025
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Bill & family. So sorry to hear of your beloved Suzanne's passing. We will keep you in our hearts & prayers. Take Care - Posted by: Sharon & Dan Bonar (friend) on: Apr 05, 2025
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Suzanne & I shared many if not all MS information & social events. We even travelled together to Portage la Prairie on an icy winter day to hear Drs speak and enjoy the lunch. We enjoyed the MS Aquasize programs at Kinsmen Sherbrook pool with both of our beloved instructor Pam. We fed off each others resilience & determination to own this disease and not let it own us. Heartfelt sympathies to the family. Rest in peace Suzanne; fellow MS Warrior. - Posted by: Roxanna Marie Fenning (Fellow MS warrior.) on: Apr 05, 2025
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We would like to express our deepest sympathies to Bill and all the family. I don’t know of anyone who had the fight that Suzanne did. We will so miss our friend. Marlene and Rick Dinelle - Posted by: Marlene Dinelle (Friend) on: Apr 05, 2025
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Bill and Family - We are very sorry for your loss. Suzanne will be dearly missed. - Posted by: Wayne and Joann Reitmeier (Whyte Ridge neighbours) on: Apr 05, 2025
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Dear Bill, Kyle and Karlee - We are so saddened to hear that Suzanne has passed. May her memory be a blessing for you and your family - Posted by: Carolyn & Phil Campeau (Friends) on: Apr 05, 2025
