Susan Mary-De Burns - born May 7, 1961, in Halifax, passed away peacefully on April 15th, 2026, surrounded by family at the VG Site, QEII after a 3½ year battle with ovarian cancer.

Sue was the “chosen” daughter of Maurice Eugene Burns and Marion Lalia Burns (Knickle) both of Halifax. Nova Scotia.

Sue was a tea drinking, quirky, funny, cat loving, bookworm, bird feeding, genealogy tracing, coloring, and puzzle loving, librarian, photographer, who loved music, dancing, long back-road drives, fishing and rock hounding and was a kind-hearted friend to all.

Sue spent most of her life “putting her money in her head”, as she would say. Education was important to her. Sue obtained a B. A. in anthropology and a master’s in MLIS.

Her career started at Saint Mary’s University from 1994 – 1999 as the Coordinator at the Ferguson Library for what was then called “Print – Handicapped Students.”

After that, Sue moved to Ontario and spent most of her career doing what she loved best – helping others, in her role as an Assistive Technologist.

Sue helped many students obtain the tools they needed for their educational journeys, starting at Wilford Laurier University in Kitchener, ON, from 2000 – 2002, and then at Western University from 2002 – 2014 and then a short stint at the University of Waterloo.

Upon her return to her home province of Nova Scotia, Sue was able to work in her chosen field as a school librarian at North Colchester High School and Pugwash High School. Sue also worked as an evening and weekend Prison librarian at the Nova Institute for Women, which Sue often said was her most favorite place to work. Sue found it both fascinating and rewarding.

Sue later became a Records Manager at Dalhousie University until she stopped working in 2023.

Sue is survived by her lifelong friend and wife, Wendy Burns (McGregor) of Halifax; stepdaughters, Jennifer Rayner-Paris (Andrew Paris) of Truro, and Jessica Boutilier (Wallace Boutilier) of Chester; and her step grandchildren, Elijah Rayner-Paris, Kendra Rayner, Madison Boutilier, Jaxson Boutilier and Allison Boutilier. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Judy Bonang of Truro; sister-in-law, Lisa Yorke (Brian Yorke) of Truro; niece, Brylee Yorke; and her favorite sister-in-law and bestie, Wanda Arnold (Marty Gomez) of Middle Musquodoboit. Sue is also survived by her biological family, most of whom she did not have the chance to meet but did have a relationship with her younger brother Michael and his partner Daryl.

Sue had many friends, who were her chosen family, many whom, according to Sue, were the most amazing, supportive people that provided her with unconditional love, respect and support. There were so many.... too many to list here but you know who you are. To name a few on her behalf, Mary, Wanda, Lisa, Peggy, Rhonda, Dianna, Boyd, Denise, Gloria, Sharon, Janice, Doug, our Shaw Lake camp family, The Mamas and the music bingo crew and staff from Freeman's.

Sue truly was an amazing person who lit up any room and the hearts she entered. Her smile was sweet, her zest for life was grand, her strength and courage unwavering and her love, tenderness and kindness unmatched. She loved well and was well loved and will be missed by all. Rest in peace our Sweet Sue.... Super Sue Warrior Woman, a.k.a. Wendy's little Pumpkin Face.

Cremation has taken place.

A celebration of life will be held at:

Freeman’s in Lower Sackville on Saturday, May 9th at 2pm.