Suzanne “Suzie” Jane Lane (née Fokes)

Suzanne “Suzie” Lane (née Fokes) passed away peacefully with her family by her side at London’s Victoria Hospital on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the age of 77.

Suzie was born on March 10, 1947, to Harold and Ethel Fokes (née Smart) in Ottawa and grew up alongside her brothers, Richard and Peter, in Kitchener-Waterloo. An empathetic, lively, and outgoing spirit, she enjoyed a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher for the Waterloo Region District School Board. In 1985 she wed the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Lane, to whom she was married for 34 years. Together, Suzie and Bob spent many happy years entertaining family and friends at their homes in Kennebunk, Maine and Sanibel, Florida, and at the K-W Jazz Club. With her warmth and joy, Suzie brought new friends together as a fun-loving group (self-named the “Oakettes”) during annual trips to the Oaks Spa in Ojai, California.

In 2019, Suzie moved to London and enriched the lives of devoted friends Donna and Eric Crofton with her humour and cheerfulness. Despite suffering from physical challenges following an illness in 2011, she met every obstacle with courage and determination and was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her. She spent many hours reading, talking on the telephone with friends and family, and participating in social activities through the North London Probus Club.

She is predeceased by her parents, brother Richard, and husband Bob. She is survived by her beloved stepchildren Robert Lane Jr. (Suki Grandhi), Christine Terrell, Debbie Pond (Andy), brother Peter (Laura Snitman) and niece Marisol (Bryn Hazard). She was the proud Mema to grandchildren Jessica, David, Rebecca, Christopher, Jackie, and Maddy.

Cremation has already taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at Tapestry Hall in Cambridge on Sunday, August 18, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate in memory of Suzie are asked to consider the Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre in Mount Brydges, Ontario or a charity of your choice.