Susan Darlene Muszak
September 4, 2024
It’s with broken hearts that we announce the loss of our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend Susan Darlene Muszak.
After falling ill very suddenly and a valiant fight in the intensive-care unit Susan passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at London’s Victoria Hospital at 10:56 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2024. She was 62.
To Susan, her family was everything.
She leaves behind the love of her life, her husband, John Muszak, with whom she shared 25 wonderful years, their five children, Alex (Dale), Mitchell, Ryan, Matthew and Natalie, and her granddaughters, Charlee and Mia — who were the absolute delight of her life.
She also leaves behind her brothers, Michael Meyer (Bryn), Larry Meyer (Cindy) and Zen Muszak (Terry). As well as her first husband, David Weber, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she deeply loved and cherished.
She is predeceased by her parents, Don and Mary Meyer (Oliphant).
Susan was a radiant force of nature who lived life fully and on her terms.
Born on July 15, 1962, in Hamilton, Ontario, she was popular and intelligent as a girl. She moved out at just 17 years old, managing her own living expenses without support or a roommate, turning her two-week co-op in Grade 12 at the Hamilton Spectator into a 40-year career in the newspaper business that eventually saw her become the publisher and chief executive officer of The London Free Press, a role she retired from in 2016. At work, Susan was unafraid of challenges, tough as nails when she had to be and deeply respected by her colleagues for her strong business acumen, heartfelt leadership style and warm personality.
Her drive and tenacity allowed her to accomplish a great deal, especially as a woman rising to the top of a male-dominated industry, but she was humble and never one to draw attention to herself. And for Susan, work was just a small part of life.
She was deeply intuitive and artistic. Her passion for interior design was felt by all who enjoyed the warm, exquisite spaces she created. She was blessed with a green thumb, like her own mother, and loved to spend time tending to her gorgeous gardens. Throughout her life she designed, decorated and landscaped many homes for her family, including her beautiful cottage in Grand Bend, which she had just finished weeks before her sudden death.
Susan also cherished her dogs. She spent most of her life with one, sometimes two, golden retrievers by her side, all of whom are now keeping her company in heaven. And she loved to have fun. She had an incredible sense of humour. Her laugh was infectious. And she totally lit up while playing golf, cards and games with friends and family. An ace Blackjack player, she enjoyed many trips to Vegas, blowing us all away with her skill and luck.
Susan’s deepest love and legacy though is her family.
She was an extraordinary mother.
When she married John in 1999, they blended their families together and she gave birth to their shared son, Ryan, one year later.
Susan was absolutely devoted to her children. She enjoyed a deep, affectionate relationship with each of them, encouraging them to be true to themselves and live out their dreams in their own unique way. She was honest and spoke her mind freely, regularly reminding them to “keep their wits about them,” throughout their teens and twenties. Susan planned the most memorable family vacations and magical Christmas celebrations for her kids, where she was known for her legendary stockings.
She enjoyed eight years of retirement, travelling all over the world with her beloved John.
But the absolute joy of her life during her final years was spending time with her granddaughters. Susan adored being a Grandma. Her favourite days were the days she babysat, “the girls,” as she affectionately called them. She created so much joy, magic and adventure for them in the short time they got to spend together, telling spooky stories, taking them to the beach and letting them dress-up in her wardrobe.
Susan’s radiance will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her family.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., with visitation from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Susan are asked to consider Golden Rescue or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
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Saddened by the news and loss of your beautiful wife John, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May treasured memories together give some inner peace during this difficult time. Take care, Charlene
A donation has been made to Heart & Stroke Foundation. Message from the donator: John and family, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Susan was an incredible person as well as being a wonderful leader, and we feel fortunate to have known her. Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. Let’s plan a round of golf or an afternoon watching football soon — we’re here for you. With sincere sympathy, Steve and Julie
John, my sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved Susan. May you and your family find comfort in sharing loving memories during this difficult time.
A donation has been made to Heart & Stroke. Message from the donator: My deepest sympathies to you and the family during this difficult time. Lori Brodie
John and Family - As a former member of The London Free Press family I am saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Susan. Susan was a true leader, and a great mentor to many of us. She will be sadly missed by all.
You will be greatly missed by all we did not see much of each other but I remember the fun time at the deerhurst be at peace beautiful lady
John, Ryan, and family: we are so sorry and offer our sincerest condolences. We were devastated when hearing of Susan's passing. To John, myself and my parents always admired how you and Susan raised Ryan. We could see her wonderful traits passed unto him. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Dear John, I'm so very sorry to learn of the tragic loss of Susan which must be devastating for all your family but, I'm sure, for you most of all. Please accept my profound sympathies. I hope it is not too long before you can find comfort and healing, remembering happier times, taking joy and satisfaction from the loving family you and she created, and knowing so many people have you all in their hearts and prayers. Kelly
Sadden and shocked to hear of Susan’s passing. Sending my condolences to John and the entire family. I was privileged to work with Susan in the newspaper world for many years. Susan was an intelligent, dedicated and accomplished senior executive whom I immensely enjoyed working with. Again, extending my sympathies.
John, we are so sorry to hear of Susans passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. We will miss her. May she Rest in Peace.
Natalie, We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that Katie, Jane and I are thinking of you and your family at this most difficult time.
We are so sorry to hear of Susan's passing. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.
To John and family. I am shocked and saddened to hear of Susans sudden passing. I admired her intelligence and leadership. My sincere condolences to you all.
Our deepest condolences to John and the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
We were stunned and saddened to hear of the sudden and tragic passing of Susan on September 4th. Her friendliness, energy and enthusiasm was contagious and she was so excited about the transformation of your new home here in Grand Bend! Her adaptation to the beach community seemed effortless and she looked forward to sharing special times with everyone. We're sending courage and strength to all of you as you navigate this unbelievable loss. Our heartfelt condolences to John and the entire Muszak family. Hugs, Judy and Ed Fluter
Dearest John, We were so saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved Susan, and send our deepest condolences for this tragic loss to you, your children and your family. Susan was obviously loved and admired by all those who knew her. We send our deepest sympathies to you and hope you will eventually heal, and cherish all of those wonderful memories you made together for over 25 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sorrowful time. Love and hugs, Kyle and John
I feel so sad and my sincere sympathy and condolences goes out to John and family. I worked with Susan in the newspaper business for a number of years and she was not only an excellent newspaper person but she was one of the finest people you could ever hope to meet. She was admired and respected by all staff and customers . May God Bless
John My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Hoping all of your wonderful memories and the support of your family help to lighten your load. Thinking of you! Rita
I was so saddened to hear the news of Susan’s passing; my heart goes out to her beloved family. I met Susan when she was 16 years old and we became instant friends, the memories go back many, many years from girl’s weekends, shopping trips, game’s nights, weddings, pregnancies, baptisms, and play dates with our kids. She was an amazing, loyal friend with a fabulous sense of humour and an infectious laugh that I can still hear. Unfortunately, friends move farther away, we all get busy with our own lives, and you don’t get to see each other as much as you would like to. I was so happy to be able to reconnect on social media and get to watch her love of life, family, and the joy and absolute delight she expressed at becoming a Grandmother. I truly believe that when someone we love passes away, they become our Guardian Angels and that their memories live on inside our laughter and our tears. I hope this poem can bring you all some peace and comfort in the coming days. Just close your eyes and you will see All the memories that you have of me Just sit and relax and you will find I’m still there inside your mind I passed away but did not leave you. I am here and have not gone. Though my spirit left my body don’t be sad, for I live on. My love is all around you. Can you feel it? Can you see? That gentle breeze upon your face is not the wind…but me. I’m the song of the birds when spring is in the air. I’m the flowers in a garden, You can find me everywhere. Whenever you are missing me look up to the skies. I’m the twinkle in the stars. I’m the sunset, and sunrise. I’m a raindrop and a rainbow. I’m the water’s waves of blue. So everywhere you go you’ll know, I live on, loving you. Rest In Peace Suzie Q
Although i only met Susan a few times, I have had the pleasure of knowing and respecting John Muzak for over a decade. John speaks often and with great pride of his amazing wife Susan, referring to her as the love of his life, and a force of nature. When Patch and I first started dating, John Muzak counselled Patch to stick by a powerful, strong woman(me) and life would always be an amazing adventure. I am so sorry for your loss and for your children. Hugs, Silken
Dear John, kids and family. This was such a shock to hear!! I am so very sorry for your tragic loss and extend my deepest condolences. While I did not know Susan, the comments here show that she was an amazing person. I wish you strength in this difficult time. Cherish the wonderful memories.
Dear John and family. Heartfelt condolences for the sudden loss of you beautiful and multitalented wife and mother. I’m happy that you had seven years of retirement together and cherished memories.
A donation has been made to Heart and Stroke.
John and family. We are sorry for your loss. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.
John and family, very sad to hear the news about Susan. She was one of the best people that I ever worked with. The entire London Free Press group will miss her deeply.
John my old friend. Our hearts ache for you and your family after reading this terrible news. Wishing you peace and healing with time.
Dearest John and Muszak Family: I was saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved Susan. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
i am so deeply saddened by the news of Susan's passing. I have such wonderful memories of Susan and her entire family. Our families spent a lot of time together and I cherish those memories. We shared a first name and the same birthday. I am so very sad right now. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones.
John, my heart goes out to you and your family, I am so sorry for your loss. Surround yourselves in the comfort and love of family and friends around you. And find peace in the memories of the years spent together. I so hope Susan and my Karen find each other up there and can share a glass of wine together like the old times! Rest in Peace, Susan. ❤️
I was a Unifor National Rep for the membership at the London Free Press for a time while Susan was the publisher. While in a sometimes adversarial business relationship with a challenging owner Susan always put her employees first at the bargaining table. I have the greatest respect for her and offer my sincerest condolences to her family.
John, Matthew, Natalie, Ryan, Alex and Mitchell, we are all so sorry for your deep loss, may time and togetherness heal your grief.
John, i am ao saddened to hear of Susans passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. May you find comfort in sharing all the wonderful memories of a wife, mother, grandmother. She was such a vibrant woman. One whom I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with and for at LFP. She was highly regarded and respected.
Our deepest condolences to John and the entire family. Simply put Susan was a remarkable person. She will be missed by many. Rest in peace my friend.
John, So sorry to hear this. My prayers are with you.
We may not have seen Susan often, but family never loses that bond/connections. A few years ago we will never forget walking down a road in Grand Bend only to hear our name called. And shocking to find out, it was our wonderful cousin Susan. From there on out, we made it a yearly event to visit John and Susan. A couple so in love, caring and giving, who always made us feel welcome. We are so glad we connected again and got to spend time with you and John. You will be forever missed. Love Shelly, Karen and Aunt Ann
My heart breaks for John; her lovely family and everyone who knew and loved Susan. She had a spark for life, a wonderful sense of humour and a contagious laugh and she will be missed by everyone who called her their friend. Taken too soon from those who loved her, but her spirit will live on in our hearts. RIP my friend! Your furry friends will take you over the Rainbow Bridge.
To John and the family, my deepest condolences. I had the chance and the privilege to work with Susan, an amazing human being, in her last few years before her retirement from the crazy newspaper business. You obviously know she was special... Strong, smart, intelligent, driven, human, open, honest, real, with a fantastic sense of humour and great values. I am fortunate to have had the chance to get to know her. It is so sad...I am heart broken. Best wishes, Stephane Le Gal
Such a huge loss. May everyone’s special memories of Susan bring them peace. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
John and family. Deepest sympathy to you on the death of Susan. No doubt there will be a big hole in your hearts for some time to come. The Free Press family mourns.
“God saw you getting tired, a cure not meant to be. So he put his arms around you and whispered,“Come with me”. With tearful eyes we watched and saw you fade away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, your tender hands at rest. God took you home to prove to us he only takes the best.” Rest in peace our dear Susan until we meet again. Love to John, Matthew, Alex, Mitchell,Natalie and Ryan Love Uncle Zen and Auntie Terry
My deepest condolences to Mitch and the family.
Though we were not close in our later years, I have so many wonderful memories of our childhood. I spent every Sunday, for years, with Mike, Larry and Susan as our parents played bridge. Countless dinners, holidays, and birthdays together, and of course our summer vacation at Pike Lake Lodge. I can still hear Susan's hearty, infectious laugh, which still brings a smile to my face. My 💔 heart is with you all at this sad time. May her beautiful memories live on forever. Your cousin Carol D'Arcy
John and family, We are in shock at the news of Susan's sudden passing. Bright eyes, big smile and a fire in her heart with a palpable passion for her family and life. Susan was a mentor too myself and many woman in the newspaper business. Our LFP family mourns with you. Rest in sweet Peace Susan.
Deepest sympathy to John and family; Susan was a top-drawer newspaper person, a pleasure to work with, so sudden passing, so young, so sad
Susan Susan ... so many wonderful memories with you and your wonderful John. From friendly gatherings, music concerts, charitable events, golfing, luncheons, Black Jack tournaments, LFP business and our real estate deals, to the quiet times in Dorchester and Hampton House on the Thames, it was always a pleasure to be in your company. You dealt with everything in a classy transparent manner and all that you touched you made better, while everyone that met you, left feeling special. That brilliant smile of yours lit up every room that you gracefully entered and your ferocious laugh was genuine and heartfelt. Most importantly, the pure unconditional love that surrounded you by your blended family and close friends is a true testament to the amazing woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister and grandmother you will always be remembered and cherished for. My deepest felt condolences to your grief stricken broken-hearted John who adored you and to your family who I know will embrace all the wonderful and happy times that you created with them. May your memory be eternal. God Bless.
Susie was a bright light on this earth even as a little girl. We are sending our deepest sympathy for the loss of this beautiful , sweet woman. Our hearts are with all of you in your time of such a huge loss. Love. Cousin Wayne and wife Pat
While we did not have the pleasure of knowing Susan, we sre fortunate to know and work alongside of Ryan. Ryan’s wonderful demeanour and kind nature is a testament to the beautiful woman and mother Susan was. Ryan and the entire family are in our thoughts as you navigate through this incredible loss. May Susan rest in eternal peace. With love The Petraccos
I was deeply saddened to hear of Susan's passing. I worked with Susan at Sun Media for several years and had enormous respect for her expertise and acumen. She will be in my thoughts and I extend my condolences to her family.
We are so incredibly sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. I have really enjoyed getting to know Sue when visiting the McTeer’s in Grand Bend. John and Sue have always been so welcoming and so proud of what they’ve built in Grand Bend. We saw Sue in July at Marian’s place. We had a great visit as always, Sue was always so easy to talk to. She loved life, loved her family. I am so sorry for your loss 💔 May the beautiful memories you have continue to bring smiles to your faces and warm your hearts.
Susan lived a full life - centered around her family and friends. She was a woman of accomplishment who showed class and humility throughout. She would mark her greatest accomplishment the wonderful family she adored. She and John worked together to ensure their blended family was close knit and centered around bringing joy and love to each other. Their deep grief is a testament to the mother - and person she was. She was a blessing to us all. John, Alex, Mitch, Ryan, Matt and Natalie - she loved you all deeply.
Services for Susan Darlene Muszak
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
October 10, 2024 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Celebration of Life will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
October 10, 2024 3:00 pm
Make a donation
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John - I am so very sorry to hear of Susan’s death. Working with the two of you at the Free Press so many years ago was one of my highlights of being there. She was such a great leader and friend. I will always remember her frustration and laughter teaching me blackjack at a conference in Vegas and meeting Chevy Chase at the blackjack table with her. My heart felt condolences go out to you and your family. She will be so very missed.
~ Peter Kerr