Obituary of Suzanne Ball

C. Suzanne Ball was born in Saint John, on May 21, 1942, to Gordon and Edith (Pelton) Crockett. She died peacefully in her home, on September 5, 2024, surrounded by her family, who loved and cherished her deeply.

Suzanne was an elegant and compassionate woman with great style. A natural leader and educator with a brilliant mind, a formidable work ethic, a sharp sense of humour, a penchant for travel and an openness to the world. 

Mum always looked sharp – with no exceptions. Her motto was, “When in doubt, overdress!” She was a talented seamstress and a committed furniture finisher and upholsterer, furnishing her closet and her home with beautiful things.

Suzanne had a varied career. She began teaching, after one year of teacher’s college, but continued studying, for 14 years, to complete her Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was eventually recruited from Princess Elizabeth School to work in the Rates and Regulations department at NBTel, and remained employed there while she studied Law at UNB. She worked for Saint John City Hall; WorkSafe NB; and retired at 72 from a rewarding career at the NB Securities Commission.

Suzanne was well spoken, well written, had strong principles and a deep sense of justice. She always knew the fair and right thing to do. These skills and traits complimented her natural leadership abilities in leading committees to raise funds for a women’s residence at UNBSJ, exploring converting the Admiral Beatty Hotel into a Senior’s Complex, and running for the Liberal Party in the 1970s.

She loved languages and studied French for much of her adult life. A love of Spanish followed from travels in South America. Her curiosity of the wonders of other cultures and languages led her to travel to almost 40 countries.

While travel was always anticipated and enjoyed, Suzanne’s favourite place was home on the Kennebecasis River. Summers at Sandy Point began in 1947. In 1993, Suzanne and Walter built their dream home there. Mum stated emphatically that she would continue to treat that beautiful place like a summer cottage. She lived by that commitment and from late May through to the fall she swam, almost daily, around the buoys in the cove. She and Walter would enjoy a cocktail on the beach in the late afternoon and a bonfire at night.

Suzanne’s compassion always extended beyond friends and family. Sandy Point was the gathering place where many were hosted over the years: international students, friends on hard times, family from away, strangers who needed a roof. What a way to leave a mark on a person’s life, to invite them in and show them that they have a safe place to stay in paradise. In 2016, she and Walter were awarded the YMCA Peace Award for their involvement in welcoming refugees and newcomers to Saint John.

We will miss her bright eyes, her quick laughter, her generosity, and her wonderful way with words.  Love you, Mum.

Suzanne is survived by her children: Tzigane (Michael Caddell) of Rothesay, Conrad (Julie Maloney) of Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia and Spenser (Jennifer Sinclair) of Saint John; grandchildren: Zoë, Ray (Harriet) and Marley Caddell and Patrick Ball; her dear friend Joan Pearce; brother-in-law Charles Ball; cousin Carol Warnock; sister-in-law Lindsay O’Dwyer, and nieces and nephews: Lauren Upper, Jonathan Ball, and Chantelle Ball Gagnon. In addition to her parents, Suzanne was predeceased by her beloved husband and co-conspirator in life, Walter; brother-in-law Kenneth Ball; nephew Christian Ball and the members of her mother’s family, the Peltons, with whom she had strong ties.

Many thanks to Dr. William O’Brien, Dr David Bewick and the caring staff at Extra Mural. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). There will be no visitation or funeral. A celebration of life will take place Saturday, Sept 28^th, 2 pm – 4 pm at 2174 Sandy Point Road, Saint John. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com