In Memory
Susan Lynn Fox
Susan Lynn Kiriaka [nee Fox] passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Red Deer, Alberta at the age of 65.
Susan leaves behind her loving husband, Andrew Kiriaka, her daughter, Jessie (Allan) Dial of Red Deer. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Samantha (Leighton) Ryder of Wisconson, USA, William (Darbi Fadollone) of Lethbridge, Alberta, Isaac and Matthew of Red Deer; and one great grandchild, Izakiah Ryder of Wisconsin, USA.
Susan also leaves behind two brothers, Calvin (Pat) Fox of Castlegar, BC, and Wayne (Terry) Fox of Leduc, Alberta; one sister, Marlene (Darrel) Mason of Red Deer, Alberta. She was predeceased by her father, Edgar Fox and her mother, Lillian Fox [nee Lorimer].
Susan was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta until 1975 when her family moved to Red Deer. She attended Lindsay Thurber High School, Red Deer College, and the University of Alberta, where she obtained her Bachelor of Education.
Susan's passion for helping others was reflected in her career. She started as a Math and Science teacher at Innisfail Jr. Sr. High School, working there for eight years before moving into the Outreach Schools for 22 years. She loved working with her students, especially those who didn’t ‘fit’ into traditional schools, such as working youth, and teen moms.
Susan was known for her kindness, compassion, and generosity. She always put others before herself and had a unique ability to make people feel loved and welcome. She was always active, enjoying activities such as Pickle Ball with the Red Deer Pickle Ball Club, biking, paddle boarding, and camping in her RV.
A devoted Christian, Susan's love for Jesus was evident in her faithful church attendance, Bible study participation, and passion for worship music. Even when ALS struck, Susan's unwavering faith remained strong. She faced her diagnosis with incredible bravery and strength, praising God for the small blessings in her life and continuing to worship Him through it all. Susan's inspirational faith and resilience touched everyone around her.
Susan will be missed by many, but for those of us who share her faith, we also share the hope that this isn’t ‘goodbye’ but ‘see you soon’.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Share a message or memory
Bonnie Matthias
Sue was already a Christian when I met her. Many times, we would discuss her faith in her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Often, she would simply let her quiet and gentle faith speak for itself, nudging my thoughts in subtle ways. And then we would move on to the other conversations we so enjoyed.
As time passed and Rex and I grew our family, Sue remained close. She loved our kids with open arms and took a genuine interest in each of them as they grew up. She would ask about their lives, listen with care, and always offer a nugget of wisdom that came from a place of deep love. To our children, she became like family—loved like a cherished aunt.
Sue played a deeply instrumental role in my own faith journey. Through her listening heart and her patient spirit, through her willingness to admit she didn’t have all the answers to hard theological questions, and through her boldness in sharing her relationship with Jesus—time after time, year after year—she made Jesus accessible to me. Over time, my hardened heart softened, until it finally opened to the One who had been patiently knocking all along.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” —1 Corinthians 13:4–8a
Sue loved me, and I loved Sue. I will miss her beautiful friendship with all my heart. I am so thankful for the faith we share—and for the promise that one day, I will see her again.
I must also mention the love of her life, Andy. We see Andy as a gift from God in Sue’s life. Though their love story was far too short, the depth of their love for one another was unmistakable and beautiful to witness. In Andy, we have found a lifelong friend and brother.