Suzanne Brenton

Suzanne Brenton

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Suzanne Brenton—beloved wife, mother, and grandmother—after years of enduring interstitial lung disease (ILD) with strength and grace.

Suzanne shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Bruce. She was the proud mother of Laura and Natalie, cherished mother-in-law to Mike, and a deeply loving and involved grandmother.

Born and raised in Vancouver as the only child of her parents, Georgie and Harold Hambleton, Suzanne was a gifted athlete from a young age. She excelled in field hockey and competitive swimming—earning a place as an alternate on Canada’s Olympic team in the 1960s—and later became a provincially-ranked tennis player. Her passion for sport extended into her professional life, where she served as Tournament Director for several Davis Cup and Federation Cup events and played a key role in organizing major tournaments for Tennis Canada.

Suzanne’s career was as diverse as it was impactful. She began as a psychiatric nurse, later supporting victims’ families during the Air India trial with BC Crown Counsel, and eventually launched her own successful event planning business. Her organizational talents and compassion left a lasting mark on every community she served.

She lived and traveled widely— living in the USA, England, and Kenya for stints before settling back in Vancouver and marrying Bruce and raising their daughters in the Tri-Cities. Tennis remained her lifelong sport and social circle, especially through her many years at the Blue Mountain Racquet Club. When illness prevented her from playing, she continued to contribute by organizing league play and joining a bridge club, always demonstrating her resilience and adaptability.

As a grandmother, Suzanne was a constant presence—cheering from the sidelines at games and creating magical holiday traditions, including her famous gingerbread house gatherings and warm, inclusive holiday dinners.

Suzanne lived a life rich in love, adventure, and connection. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

A celebration of Suzanne’s life will be held on what would have been her 79th birthday:

Monday, August 25th, 2:00–4:30 PM

Diamond Alumni Centre, Simon Fraser University, University Drive East, Burnaby, BC

While RSVPs are not required to attend, they are appreciated to help us plan for catering: https://evite.me/Nmtx11xA1C

In lieu of flowers, donations in Suzanne’s memory may be made to the BC Lung Foundation: https://bclung.ca/donate/donate-in-honour-or-memory/