Obituary of Susan Sawatzky

With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Susie ‘Susan’ Sawatzky, of Red Deer, Alberta. She passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital with the support of family by her side on Wednesday, January 1st, 2025, at the age of 72. 

Susan was born the 4th of 10 children to Susie and Peter Elias of Morden, Manitoba.  She met her husband, Waldo Sawatzky and they married on May 18, 1974. They were blessed with two children, Jeff and Amanda, and later became grandparents to Jenna, Logan, Gabrielle and Matthaeus. Susan filled many years with countless hobbies like ceramics, cross-stitching, reading, and you could always expect a hand-made card for your birthday versus any store bought one. Camping with close relatives and family created many wonderful, warm summer memories. They lived a life based on strong Mennonite roots grounded with a love for Christ.

Susan worked hard to support the family, spending 20 years as an Executive Assistant for Triple E RV in Winkler, Manitoba, and later in specialty leasing before her most recent retirement.

Once grown, both Susan’s children moved to Alberta where they met their future spouses and began families of their own. Not long after, Susan and Waldo moved to Red Deer in January of 2005. There they enjoyed attending Gospel music concerts, forming new friendships in the community they lived, and most importantly being able to attend all the school concerts, birthdays, special events and being close enough to host sleepovers with the grandchildren.

Susan is survived by her husband Waldo, children Jeff (Amanda) Sawatzky, Amanda (Rick) Mueller and her four grandchildren, Jenna, Logan, Gabrielle and Matthaeus. She is also survived by her siblings, Mary (Richard) Klassen, John (Evelyn) Elias, sister-in-law Beth, Peter (Cindy) Elias, Sarah (David) Dyck, Tena (Ike) Fehr, Helen (Larry) Nickel and their families. Susan is predeceased by her parents, sister Margaret (John) Froese, brother Abe (Beth) Elias, and little brother Jacob.

Susan developed complications from Diabetes, and along with the strong support of her husband, she spent the last couple of years doing all she could to fight. In lieu of flowers, we ask that any memorial donations be made to Diabetes Canada through their website at diabetes.ca, and selecting “Dedicate this Donation” to Susan.

Mom, we love you dearly and are going to miss you and your storytelling (especially before and after grace). Rest in peace. A Celebration of Life for Susan will be held in the spring of 2025 in Red Deer, Alberta. More details to follow.

Psalm 23 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944