Susan (Davis) Barter

Susan Alice Grace Barter (Nee Davis)

May 27, 1950 -December 26, 2025

Susan was born in Ottawa  to parents Ralph and Alexandra Davis. She attended elementary school in Ottawa and high school at Richview Collegiate in Toronto. Upon completion of high school her parents were transferred to Montreal in 1967 and Susan enrolled at Bishop’s University. In 1969 she met Reid and both moved to Toronto upon graduation in 1971. Susan began her work career at The Hospital for Sick Children in the Medical Editing Department under the guidance of Dr Helen E. Reid. Husband Reid encouraged her to attend Teacher’s College and thus began her very successful career as an educator. She began at The Bishop Strachan School where she established a computer lab in the Junior School and subsequently  became Principal of the Junior School. After a quarter century at BSS she began a new career as Principal of Central Montessori School. She and a mentor/friend, Nazreen went to Morocco to establish a Montessori School. And in subsequent years Susan guided others- especially Raihana- as they opened schools. She loved the Montessori philosophy and her association with educators from diverse ethnic backgrounds. They learned from her and she from them. In her gentle humble way she was able to empower others : Susan never sought the limelight.

As the weeks have passed since her diagnosis in March,  she lost the ability to participate in things she loved - reading, researching stocks, being able to communicate with friends and gardening.  Gardening was her post retirement passion/vocation whether in Toronto, Trenton or at our cottage. We have been blessed with our son Scott (Maggie) and their sons Ben,Ted and Scotty who Susan loved spending time with.

During Reid and Susan’s 53 years of marriage they shared trips to Australia, New Zealand, Western Europe, Hawaii, Florida and across Canada from PEI to BC, but sadly she did not visit NFLD which was #1 on her bucket list.

Susan was predeceased by her parents, but she leaves her brother, Campbell (Christine) and their sons Tyler and Sebastian.

Susan”s family thanks the staff and volunteers at Hospice Quinte who provided Susan with gentle loving care.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice Quinte, MS Canada or the Brain Tumour Foundation.

A Celebration of Susan’s life will be held in Toronto in the summer.

“ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me: your rod and your staff shall comfort me” Psalms 23:4