A Susan Flemming was a lot of things – a writer, a newspaper editor, a historian, a playwright, a sister and a devoted friend. She was also a devoted wife to John Powell, who passed away in February 2023.
As the editor of the Cumberland Communiqué newspaper for nearly a decade, Flemming reported on the business of Cumberland Town Council and the events and happenings of the former township. She was also a founding member and later president of Vintage Stock Theatre (VST), where she combined her passion for writing with her love of history.
Most of VST’s productions were based on historic township events and Flemming was a tireless researcher. As well as researching and writing the scripts, she often took on minor roles in the VST production.
More recently, Susan battled a number of illnesses and fell into poor health. This past spring she passed away at the age of 71.
As per her wishes, there was no funeral service. Instead, more than 75 family members and friends gathered on June 22 at a friend’s home along the Ottawa River near Cumberland Village to celebrate her remarkable life.
Susan grew up in Orillia, the middle child between sisters Jane and Linda. After studying journalism at Brock and Carleton universities, she moved to Winnipeg and worked for the federal government. Eventually, she moved back to Ontario and coupled her passion and skill as a writer with her love of story-telling and took on the role of editor at the Cumberland Communiqué.
She and Powell bought a small farm in Sarsfield where they lived for decades until declining health forced them to move into a retirement home in 2021. Powell’s passing was a tremendous blow to Susan. Many of the family and friends who supported her through his death gathered recently to share memories and stories about Susan, and how much they valued her friendship. And, many added, how many times she had supported them.
Former Orléans Star editor and long-time friend, Heather Jamieson, recalled the first time the two women met.
“She was editor of the Communiqué and I worked for the Star and Michael Curran, who was the editor at the time, told me I should go interview her. It was very intimidating, but Susan and I ended up becoming close friends,” says Jamieson, adding, “Susan had a innate ability to make lifelong friends, keep friends and nurture friendships.”
Retired artistic director of the Ottawa School of Theatre, Kathi Langston, was Susan’s partner in crime. Kathi would come up with an idea; Susan would do the research and writing, with Kathi directing the final production.
Over the years, the two developed a tremendous bond.
“Susan Flemming was my best friend. More than a friend, she was my sister because we were so close,” says Langston. The two women had discussed working on another play together before Susan’s health deteriorated.
Those are just two of the stories shared by Susan’s family and friends during Susan’s Celebration of Life, and there are countless fond memories to go along with them all.
ORLEANS FARMERS MARKET every Thursday from 11 am to 4 pm in the parking lot at the Ray Friel Recreation Centre on Tenth Line Road. Shop the freshest seasonal produce, meat and dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts and more while getting to know the folks who grew and made it.
STATION 71 PANCAKE BREAKFAST from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Fire Station 71 in Navan with a freewill donation to the CHEO Foundation. Come enjoy pancakes with local maple syrup Erabliere des Wats Sugar Bush, local coffee from Papa Bean coffee roastery, and sausages and bacon from Lavergne Meat. After breakfast check out the Navan Fall Fest at the Navan Fairgrounds.
