On behalf of the members, board of directors and staff of BC Care Providers Association and EngAge BC, we send our condolences to the family and friends of Susan Abermann, who passed as a result of cancer earlier this month. Sue was a beloved and highly-regarded health professional who continued to work in the sector right up until just prior to her passing. She had been recently enlisted by the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate to support a review of long-term care homes impacted by COVID-19. Sue will be missed by many who have worked with her over the years. Below is an excerpt from her obituary, which you can read in its entirety here.
Sue had extensive experience in all aspects of the planning and operation of long term care facilities and was passionate about her work. With clinical training in social work and a Master’s Degree in Health Administration, she previously worked in Ontario as the https://bccare.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/medcare-img22.jpgistrator of a large municipally owned residential care facility, as well as being a consultant to the Ministry of Health. Upon her arrival in BC, in 1995, Sue fulfilled numerous leadership roles in the evolving regional health authority system, including Vice President of Seniors and Ongoing Care (CVIHR) and Director of Residential Care Services (VIHA). After her departure from the Health Authority, Sue opened several new campuses of care on Vancouver Island. Sue retired as the Executive Director of Kiwanis Village Nanaimo in September 2018.
Sue continued to serve on local advisory committees for community health and long term care, dedicated to the ongoing improvement in the availability and scope of health care services. Most recently, Sue was coaxed out of retirement to become the Board-appointed Public Administrator for Island Health to oversee the restructuring of several long term care facilities.
Sue’s smile lit up a room. People were attracted to Sue because of her knowledge of the issues and her experience in providing solutions, as well as the organized manner in which they were always presented. Her photographic memory would remember events, policies, legislation, even telephone numbers from many years back. Her memory was a tool not to be challenged. She was a charismatic leader and mentor to those that she worked with, providing insight and encouragement to excel and maximize their capabilities as a team or to promote professional growth individually. Her compassionate and caring nature endeared her to the residents and staff that she worked with. Cemented by her generosity, affection and endearing personality, she met and made an army of lifelong friends along her journey. She was an inspiration to the people that she worked with.
Obituary for Susan Gail (Langley) Abermann: https://www.yatesmemorial.ca/obituary/Susan-Abermann
