For the last 14 years, Susan worked closely with me to achieve many extraordinary projects in Toronto-Danforth.
It is with profound sadness that I must let you know that Susan Serran passed away peacefully on December 29, 2023 with family at her side.
Susan had been diagnosed with a virulent cancer in mid-December which quickly took her life.
For the last 14 years, Susan served as my Executive Assistant and worked closely with me to achieve many extraordinary projects in Toronto-Danforth. Her work was seminal in relocating the Red Door Shelter into a condo on Queen St E, troubleshooting and gaining successful approvals to help establish Crow’s Theatre at Carlaw and Dundas, establishing the popular skate trail at Greenwood Park and getting numerous affordable housing projects approved and underway, like the soon to be open Riverdale Co-op on Queen East.
As well as her top-level skills in advancing such projects, Susan was very dedicated to the residents of Toronto-Danforth, setting a very high standard for community responsiveness. She was a go-to problem solver for City staff and was well-respected by senior leaders at City Hall as well as community and agency leaders.
Before her many years at City Hall, Susan worked at Artscape as the Director of Community Development where her projects included the creation of Gibraltar Point Arts Centre as well as the popular Wychwood Barns.
For many years, her prior work at Theatre Direct, the Bathurst Street Theatre and Theatre Passe Murielle contributed greatly to the Toronto arts and theatre scene.
Susan was a key player in the development of Arts Vote in the 1990s, which put Arts and Culture on the agenda at City Council and City Hall. Susan’s strong arts background and dedication allowed us to initiate the City’s Arts in the Park movement in 2009, which is highly successful and a staple across the entire city.
Susan will be dearly missed by her family, friends, colleagues and the city that she loved. Should you wish to make a donation in Susan's honour, her family is suggesting the Canadian Cancer Society, Michael Garron Hospital or a local women's shelter.
Susan would also have appreciated you buying flowers for a friend, or simply being kind and compassionate to those around you.
With a heavy heart,
Paula
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