Members of the Brock community were saddened to learn of the death of Suzie Lane, Associate Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, who passed away Saturday, Dec. 2 surrounded by loved ones.

Lane was diagnosed with a fast-moving type of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in April that forced her to stop teaching at the end of August.

Lane, who grew up in Oklahoma, joined Brock in 2004 to further develop the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) program. Passionate about teaching, she recognized that each student learns differently and enjoyed exploring innovate ways to help students communicate more effectively. One major contribution to TR professional education at Brock was through the creation of Brock’s TR internship program, which now has health care partners across Canada.

“Suzie had a national reputation for being a community builder,” said Recreation and Leisure Studies Professor Colleen Hood. “She had a gift for bringing people together and preparing students to become the best possible professionals in their field. She will be missed.”

Throughout 2016, much of Lane’s research was focused on therapeutic recreation and social connectedness interventions among individuals with dementia and care-partners. Her past research also teamed up with several provincial and national organizations including Alzheimer Society of Ontario, Niagara Health, Parks and Recreation Ontario, Older Adult Centres Association of Ontario, Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, University of Waterloo, Ontario Brain Institute, Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association and Therapeutic Recreation Ontario.

Lane is survived by her wife, Jennifer Dyck and her mother Hazel.

A Celebration of Life service will take place Monday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at the First Grantham United Church on Linwell Road in St. Catharines. For information on a private visitation being held on Sunday, Dec. 17, contact fahscomms@brocku.ca

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Dr. Suzie Lane Award, which will support a student “who exemplifies Dr. Lane’s positive attitude and passion for the field of Therapeutic Recreation.” The goal is to cover or contribute to the Recreational Therapist certification fees. Donations can be made at brocku.ca/donate or by phoning 905-688-5550 x4190. Cheques made out to “Brock University” with “In memory of Dr. Suzie Lane” in the reference line can be mailed to Development and Alumni Relations, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1.