Susan Anne Kirkland

We are heartbroken to share the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Susan Anne Kirkland, on June 26th, 2026, in Halifax, NS. Susan was born on Jan 13th, 1956, in Croydon, UK to Barbara Mary Payne and Peter Anthony Kirkland, before moving to Vancouver, BC in her early childhood where she spent her formative years. She was the eldest of seven siblings (Theresa, Stephen, Marie, Annie, Anthony, and Jenny) and many foster siblings over the years, which made for a slightly chaotic but loving childhood, in which she could often be found on various adventures with her best friend, Lucy. In 1980, she moved across the country looking for new experiences and academic enrichment at the University of Waterloo. Within days, she met the love of her life and partner of 46 years, Larry Wallace. With Larry by her side, she completed her BSc in Kinesiology and undertook an MSc in Health Behaviour. She was academically inclined and went on to pursue a PhD in Epidemiology at the University of Toronto, during which time her and Larry welcomed their first daughter, Lindsay. After finishing her PhD, Susan was appointed as a tenure-track Professor in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology (CH&E) at Dalhousie University and the little family moved across the country to begin the next adventure. CH&E became her academic home for the entirety of her distinguished career. Within months of their arrival in Halifax, they welcomed their second daughter, Caroline. Ever the ambitious and driven woman, she continued along a steep academic trajectory while nurturing her family, with the support of her husband Larry staying home with the girls. Juggling a demanding academic life with the responsibilities of parenthood never slowed her down and the Kirkland-Wallaces enjoyed a harmonious family life filled with hiking, gardening, camping trips, and spending time with friends that became family. Susan had a way of creating deep connections with anyone who crossed her path. She had a warm and effortless energy that drew people in and made them feel at home. She made time for all her passions, whether it be her family, friends, career, or one of her many hobbies including swimming, running, cycling, hiking, bouldering, gardening, reading, and a brief stint in oil painting. She was never rushed, which often led to her being significantly late for any and all events and appointments. The relationship Susan shared with Lindsay and Caroline was a cornerstone of her life. Their bond was one of profound love, unwavering support, and genuine companionship, whether it was over a glass of wine at Lightfoot & Wolfville or tea at The Tangled Garden. Their relationship only deepened throughout each stage of life. Susan was very proud when both her girls followed in her footsteps and pursued careers in academia. With the girls out of the house, Susan and Larry started spending more time travelling both around Nova Scotia and internationally, particularly enjoying their several trips to the West Coast of England and Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. Susan also loved travelling with her friends, exploring Italy, France, Costa Rica, Turks & Caicos, and the Bahamas. Closer to home, Susan was overjoyed to welcome two sons-in-law, Tommy Brothers and Jon Constable, to the family when the girls found their lifelong parters. Many happy hours were spent with the whole family at the cottage, Christmases, and around the table at family dinners; nothing made her happier than for everyone to be together. In recent years, when the whole family wasn’t together, Susan and Larry looked forward to their quiet ritual of unwinding at the end of the day in the living room together. Whether they were watching a British TV drama or basketball, curling, or tennis, they cherished those cozy evenings at home. Susan was revered by her colleagues and students alike. She was a dedicated mentor and inspiring educator. Her research career was defined by her leadership of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, internationally recognized for its unique contributions to understanding health and aging. With her impactful contributions in teaching, research, and leadership, she advanced through the department ranks to eventually serve as head of the department. However, her most meaningful position to date has been her role as Gramma to her three beloved grandchildren, Simon, Teddy, and Flora. Susan was simply made to be a Gramma, and not even a terminal cancer diagnosis would keep her from playing tag, making cookies, putting two rambunctious boys to bed many nights, or flying to Ottawa for three weeks to be there for the birth of her first-born granddaughter. She had an endless well of energy and love for them and it was not only the joy of her life, but the joy of theirs. Gramma will live on in their hearts and memories. Susan’s grit and resilience were unmatched. She maintained a positive outlook and commitment to living life to the fullest, even in the face of unimaginable hardship and setbacks. No one loved life more than her. Susan was loved and cared for by so many, and this was evidenced by the devotion of her friends and family, particularly her sister Theresa, and friends Lu and De, who spent countless hours and nights at the hospital with her. She was warm and tough, kind without being weak, and both effortless and steadfast in her love for life and the people in it. She will be deeply missed by so many, but has left a legacy of love and humanity that her family and friends will bring with them through the difficult days to come. Finally, we would like to gratefully acknowledge the wonderful expert care provided to Susan over the past four years, particularly by all the nurses on the Palliative Care unit of the VG (especially Beth & Iona), and Dr. Liz Amos, and Dr. Stephanie Snow for their compassion, competence, and advocacy. Details on a celebration of Susan’s life will be forthcoming.

Susan Anne Kirkland

January 13, 1956 - June 26, 2026