Suzanne Groves

Suzanne ‘Sue’ Groves passed away peacefully surrounded by family and her best friend on Friday April 11, 2025 in her 81st year at Woodingford Lodge in Ingersoll, Ontario.

Sue will be deeply missed by her children Darrell Shaddock, Jan Homenuik (John), and Jennifer Shaddock; her beloved grandchildren Mariah Roth (Aaron), Sam Shaddock, Sydnee Shaddock, and Mitchell Homenuik; and her great‑grandchildren Isla and Elias. She was predeceased by her husband Gord Groves, her sister Sally Laarz, her nephew Steven Laarz, her granddaughter Alyssa Homenuik, and her parents Jack and Lillian Hager.

Born in Ingersoll, Ontario, Sue was the daughter of Jack and Lillian Hager and the younger sister of Sally. She was raised in a warm and loving home where her mother worked as a seamstress at Robert’s Store and her father at Morrow’s Screw and Nut. After leaving high school in grade 10, Sue began working at a hair salon and later built a fulfilling career in accounting, most notably with Coyle & Greer where she worked in Accounts Payable for over 25 years.

A devoted daughter, Sue lived next door to her parents for many years, allowing her to raise her children with constant love and support. She was incredibly resourceful and committed to giving her kids a joyful upbringing, always ensuring they had summer vacations and Sunday roast beef dinners, even when money was tight.

In 2000, a chance double date to see an Elvis impersonator turned into a love story when Sue met Gord Groves. Their first real date, to Home Depot to replace a sump pump after Gord’s basement flooded, allowed Sue to happily put her love of HGTV to practical use, and the two quickly became inseparable. They married on December 13, 2008. Gord embraced Sue’s family as his own and took pride in being a dad, grandpa, and great‑papa. Together, they built a life full of adventure and love, traveling often to Mexico, Florida, and the East Coast, going on long drives, listening to Stuart McLean’s The Vinyl Café on Sunday mornings while sipping black coffee in their kitchen, and hosting countless gatherings with family and friends. Gord passed away suddenly in 2017, and Sue carried the love they shared with her until the very end.

Sue adored spending time with her family and took great pride in the adults her three children became. Darrell’s sense of humour could always make her laugh, and there was one particular inside joke that never failed to bring a smile to her face - a certain footwear mix-up, forever a treasured memory shared between her, Jan, and Jennifer. Every Mother’s Day, she looked forward to the Shunpiker Tour - a day spent with loved ones that took them down scenic routes with stops for lunch, laughs, and local treasures. Sue was present for the births of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spending the entire time in the hospital waiting room, eager to welcome each one into the world. Her grandchildren will always remember how she never missed an extracurricular event, concert, or play; they could always count on her to be in the audience, cheering them on. She was devoted to her great granddaughter Isla and loved taking her for the day or for sleepovers. Sue and her sister Sally spent as much time together as they could—going on day trips, motorhome camping, and enjoying meals at Sally’s home, where the food was always plentiful and made with love. Sally’s passing in 2016 was a profound loss for Sue.

Sue’s life was rich in friendship. She met her best friend Marlene McCormick more than 50 years ago when their daughters Jan and Val insisted they meet, and they hit it off instantly. Marlene remained faithfully by her side through every chapter of Sue’s life. With her sister Sally, cousin Mary Lou, and a group of close friends, she shared countless girls’ weekends at Burrell’s cottage, bowling, and many other adventures. Sue shared a close bond with her cousin Jane, who lived across the street and became her sister‑in‑law after both married brothers. Her good friend Joanne, whom she met at Coyle & Greer, and Joanne’s husband Bill became treasured companions during backyard visits among Joanne and Bill’s ponds and gardens. Sue carpooled to work for years with her niece Kelly, and they shared many good times - whether they were bowling, vacationing in Mexico with their husbands, or partying at get-togethers, Sue and Kelly were often side by side. Sue and childhood friend Karen Noe were very close growing up, attending Victory Memorial School and high school together. During her years on King Street in Ingersoll, she had a good community around her, and many of her neighbours became friends. One such neighbour was Carol, who lived beside Sue for many years and became a longtime friend, with their kids spending time together, too.

Sue loved puzzles. Scrabble, Cribbage, and Rummicube were staples in her home, and crosswords were a daily ritual (proudly done in pen). She loved reading anything filled with suspense or drama. Music was always playing - usually country, though later years brought Johnny Cash thanks to Gord.

Sue had a deep love for food, crafts, and the simple pleasures of life. She was famous in her family for her tenderloin recipe, and when she said she’d make it she’d have a full house. She loved dining at The Keg, grabbing Mango Salad for dinner, or treating herself to lunches at the Olde Bakery Café. Sue and Gord took so much pride in their gardens.

Above all else, Sue lived to love and be loved. She found joy in helping others, in being needed, and in showing up for the people she cherished.

In keeping with Sue’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held in lieu of a traditional funeral.  

Please join us on Friday April 18, 2025, from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m., at the Ingersoll 50+ Activity Centre, 

250 Ingersoll Street S., Ingersoll, Ontario.

If desired, donations can be made to Woodingford Lodge in Ingersoll. Our family is deeply grateful to the staff there for the exceptional care, compassion, and dignity they showed Sue in her final years. Their kindness made all the difference, and we will never forget it.

Wareing Cremation Services, 225 Norwich Ave., Woodstock has been entrusted with Final Arrangements. Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared here at wareingcremation.ca