Susan Rae

A beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Susan passed away peacefully in Whitehorse on July 20, 2023 at the age of 72, with her son and daughter-in-law by her side. She was predeceased by her husband Andrew Kaegi, and is survived by her son Christopher (Jennifer), daughter Ida, stepson Simon (Erin) and grandchildren Allison, Amelia, Adam, David and Emma.  She is also survived by her siblings Alan (Joan), Murray, and Janet (Ken), and their families.

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Susan was adopted by Violet and Max Rae shortly after birth. The second-youngest of four siblings, Susan completed high school and earned a diploma in business administration from Mount Royal College which she put to use helping various organizations such as the Deaf and Hard of Hearing society (where she learned American Sign Language), and the Canadian Red Cross.

Susan had a daughter early in life whom she gave up for adoption. Reconnecting with her birth daughter and her own birth parents/family were some of the highest points in her life.

She had a passion for music and could be found playing her favorite pieces on the piano or experimenting with composition, or simply singing along to her favorite songs on the radio.

She moved to Whitehorse in 2004 with her husband Andrew where she very quickly built many friendships that would become life-long.

Whitehorse is also where Susan developed a passion for quilting and sewing. She enjoyed many quilting retreats and was eager to show off her newest creations.

Driven by a lifelong journey of self-exploration and spirituality, her optimism and wise words were infectious and she strived to make deep, meaningful connections with everyone she met.

Family was very important to her, and she enjoyed her travels to New Zealand and Switzerland to visit relatives. Her grandchildren looked forward to her biannual/annual visits to Calgary and Ottawa. She also enjoyed hiking and camping throughout both Alberta and the Yukon.

When Andrew was diagnosed with dementia, Susan became a passionate advocate for raising awareness about the experience of being a caregiver to someone with dementia. She and Andrew were invited to the National Dementia Strategy Conference in Ottawa, where their active participation helped form the basis of the National Dementia Strategy.

Susan was devoted to her husband and shared many adventures during their 28 years together. She will be remembered for her kind heart and unwavering optimism and encouragement. Susan touched the lives of many people and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.