Suzanne Freemont Doan Mathers (January 24, 1936 to October 28, 2022)


Suzanne was not comfortable tooting her own horn, so her proud children are glad to do this for her. Her expression, “Let’s go!” would be more than a rallying cry to continue travelling with her friends and children after her husband, Andy, passed away, it is symbolic of her attitude to embrace life, push through obstacles in her way and to get on with it. Suzanne taught us all the meaning of humility, grace and love.

Suzanne was born in Toronto. Her Father grew up with modest means to become a respected dentist. Her equally determined Mother overcame many societal obstacles to become an Associate Professor of Sociology at York University in her late 60’s, while completing a Phd ABD, unable to complete her dissertation due to Alzheimer’s disease.

Suzanne married the love of her life, Andrew (Andy) Mathers, in 1961. They were best friends and partners in life. Andy loved her zest for life, grit and differentiated point of view on all topics - and there were many! Together, they raised a family, played tennis, skied, traveled internationally and led an active social life. Three kids were no obstacle to their evening “drink time” ritual, during which they solved world problems over a glass of wine as the kids waited for dinner which was sometimes burned as a result.

A life-long learner, Suzanne was entirely engaged in the world around her. So many have remarked to us at how Suzanne listened intently to them, truly curious and caring. Never stating the obvious, Suzanne always injected a unique perspective into discussions that often made one reconsider a fresh new angle without feeling criticized.

Suzanne was a humble pioneer having graduated from Queen’s University with a BA and a few years later, earning a Harvard-Radcliffe business diploma in 1958, during a time when women were forbidden to attend the Harvard Business School. Harvard professors literally walked across the river to teach the women the same curriculum as the men. Radcliffe left an indelible influence on Suzanne that lasted the rest of her life. She bonded with several Radcliffe women who reunited annually for over 50 years. Elected President of the Harvard Business School Club of Toronto in 1983, Suzanne was highly regarded and known to have a unique way to rally people in a very positive way. Her formal education continued again, and even with three busy children under the roof, Suzanne went back to school to study Economics at the University of Toronto.

When many dreamed of retirement, Suzanne was determined to develop her own career, and at age 49, she joined the venerable investment firm MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier where she worked as a Portfolio Manager until age 77. She loved the dynamism of the investment business, cared deeply about her clients and enjoyed her colleagues. She was especially intent on client education and inclusion, being way ahead of her time in these areas.

Suzanne was never deterred by life’s obstacles. Being effectively blind in one eye since birth didn’t keep her from becoming a champion show jumper, jogger, sailor, avid skier and a good tennis player, who never shied from being at the net with Andy as her doubles partner and smashing the occasional zinger.

Suzanne embraced life and was fond of saying “Good on you!”. “Good on you, Mum! You were one of a kind and will be lovingly remembered.”

Suzanne Freemont Mathers (née Doan) died at home surrounded by family. She is predeceased by her father Dr. Freemont Doan, mother Mary Lundy Doan, husband Andrew Sherlock Mathers (2003) and her sister Jane Clappison (2020). She is survived by her children Drew Mathers, Jane Mathers and Mary Mathers (Maureen Van de Ven) and grandchildren Joshua McKillop and Nicholas Van de Ven as well as her brother-in-law John Mathers (Joan), niece Janet Laing (Bob), nephews Eric Mathers (Pennie), Ian Mathers (Heidi), and Scott Mathers.

A celebration of life will be held in April 2023. Date and location will be published.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society. www.alzheimer.ca

Condolences may be shared here: https://mountpleasantgroup.permavita.com/site/SuzanneFreemontMathers.html