Susan Blake

I am deeply saddened that my friend Susan is gone from this life, her short illness and untimely death have left us bereft. My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go out to Susan’s beloved wife Evelyne, her brother Peter, sisters Rhona and Judy, and their families, also Mary Kelly, Susan’s cousin Conor Collins, and her many friends at this time of great loss.
Susan was a special human being who enriched the lives of so many of us. She was and remains much loved and I will miss her so very much. I have so many wonderful memories of Susan which I shall cherish and I will be forever grateful for the kind, warm and generous hospitality of her parents the late Prof. Sean and Frances Blake and the Blake family to me over the years.
Blessed with many talents, not least a brilliant and curious mind, a love of life, and glorious sense of humour, Susan was a wonderful conversationalist and a story teller par excellence. Her love and mastery of language was legendary and she carried within the soul of a writer.

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."

Dear Susan, Rest in Peace.

1979 Cheltenham at Will Grant’s house Susan picks Willie Wumpkins 25/1

He wins !
Then off to Rices sang as time goes by
and drank the winnings
Loved her joy
And now she’s in heaven will be looking for some tips

So sorry to hear of Susan passing
Remember her good humour and spontaneity
Lovely parents who kindly welcomed me into their family

I would like to pass on my deep sympathy to Evelyne, Peter, Rhona and Judy and al of Susan’s family and friend on the sad passing of Susan. She was one of the very first person I met when I arrived in Surgeons and she became the life and soul of our class. She made such a big impression to our lives. I so admired and envied her strength of personality and her courage to be exactly who she wanted to be. That was unusual back in the Ireland of 1977. I was such a privileged to have met her and she was truly unforgettable. May she rest in peace.

As a frequent visitor to the Blake household during my college years I remember Susan well. With her mischievous streak and laughter she was the love of every social occasion.
My condolences to Peter, Rhona and Judy.

I was so sad to hear of Susan’s recent passing. My sincere condolences and my prayers and thoughts are with Peter, Rhona and Judy. May she rest in peace.

Susan, it is hard to believe that you are gone, we will forever miss the funny letters, poems, books, photos, comments, jokes and stories from you in person and from across the waves, being delivered by the old-fashioned postal service! My how you have made me laugh over the years and brought such tears of joy and frustration with your wit and humor that nobody but nobody could compare with, I already miss the phone calls with the loud bursts of French amongst your sweet D4 tone, we will forever cherish the words you have sent us and the wonderful memories you gave us. I'm sure one of your brilliant authors could explain what I mean, when I say- you had too much spirit for this world. Love Graham

Very sadly missed and very happily remembered. Susan, I remember the great laughs and the fun and great camaraderie we had. Goodbye old friend.

My sincere condolences to Susan’s beloved wife Evelyne, to Peter and all the Blake family and to her many friends worldwide.
I met Susan almost thirty years ago in Nantes and we remained close friends ever since. She was the best kind of friend, completely honest, hilariously funny with a strong moral compass. She did not have a pretentious bone in her body. Her and Evelyne’s yearly visits to Kerry were a highlight for me. I will miss Susan terribly but I feel blessed to have had such a wonderful friend and confidante for all these years. Rest in peace Sue.

Our deepest sympathy to Evelyne, the Blake family and all Susan's many friends. She was a lovely, entertaining, witty personality who loved to discuss books and life. We enjoyed meeting her in the Cliff House in Ballybunion a few years ago where she entertained us all that night. May she rest in peace.

A beautiful soul, a voice supreme,
Posh road, literate, a smoker's dream.
Susan loved the written word,
A snifter here, a snifter there,
A smile, a laugh, no sacred bird,
To Charlotte Bronte we will demur.

Evelyne was her heart's content,
All considerations towards her leant,
Her joi de vivre knew no bounds,
We are all bereft her race is run,
No more La Cigale, iced lager rounds,
But she lived it large, a life well done.

I'm on the couch where she once lay,
Speaking of people for whom she'd pray.
Doug, Sammy, Peter and friends of yore,
Lost friends, found friends, new friends,
Susan was one of a kind, never a bore,
Missing you darling, no loose ends.

I was so saddened to learn of Susan’s illness and untimely passing. Susan died far, far too young.

I had the privilege of meeting Susan and Evelyne, only a few times. The first time, a few years ago, when the Cork to Tralee train timetable was ‘wrong🤭!’, So, being closest to Cork Train Station that evening, I got the privilege of driving Susan & Evelyne to Ballybunion, for their annual visit to see Patrice & all The O’Callaghan Family in their lovely Cliff House Hotel in Ballybunion, Co. Kerry.

We laughed all the way, and were firm friends by the time we got to Ballybunion. Since then, I picked up the habit, from Susan and Evelyne of an annual summer trip to ‘Cliff House’ and met there once or twice, sometimes into the early hours in Bernie’s Bar in the Hotel! Susan had great love of life, of Evelyne and her friends. She will be missed in Ballybunion, and so many other places.

As the irish saying goes:
” Ní fheicfimid a leithéid arís.”
” We won’t see her like again ”

Please accept my sincere sympathy on the death of Susan Blake to Evelyne and all your family

I learned with shock and sadness of Susan's passing. She was a wonderful, vivacious and warm person who lit up so many lives wherever she was, a shining light extinguished but still in our memories and hearts. My sympathies to Evelyne, Peter, Rhona, Judy and wider family. Peace to you Susan. Denis.

To Peter and Rose and all the family and friends of Susan, our sincere condolences.

I am so sad to hear of Susan’s passing. I have so many fond memories of her. She was the such fun at school and on our first working holiday abroad to Munich with Leonie. There, she led us into many dramas and hilarious adventures. She was quick witted, smart and the best of good company. I send my deepest sympathy to Evelyne, Peter, Rhonda, Judy and all the family. Rest in peace Susan.

So sad to hear of Susan’s passing. So sorry for your loss. So lucky to have been her classmate. So blessed to have been her friend. May she rest in peace.

My deepest sympathy to Susan’s family. Hard to believe so soon.. for such a luminous erudite anchor of our college years, always at the best end of fun, chancing.. all those eves in Rices, hockey trips.. the yellow beetle..then the Ophthalmology cram sessions.. student days would have paled so much without wonderful witty Susan… may you rest in peace

Aunt Susan will be greatly missed.
I’ll never forget the wedding celebration in Ballybunion and how her stories and personality filled the room. She made sure I had the hotel room with the best view, even though it was her special day. That mix of generosity and humour was just who she was - and it’s what I’ll remember most.

I became aware of Susan‘s illness a month or so ago, but I was shocked at the suddenness of her death. I feel as if I’ve known Susan all of my adult life through my friendship with Peter. Indeed, on the numerous occasions I encountered Susan, not least when both she and I worked at the Mater Hospital in the mid 1980s, she always lit up the room with her exuberance and razor sharp wit. I am only sorry I did not get to meet her in latter years.

I extend my deep condolences to Peter, her other siblings, her extended family and huge circle of friends.

Brian O’Connor

I was very saddened to learn of Susan’s recent passing in France. I remember Susan well from visits to Collbeg in the 1970’s! Susan was always very welcoming and friendly. She also had, even then, an independent streak! My sincere condolences to Peter and Rose, Rhona and Charlie and Judy and Mark.

First encountered Susan on the Mount Anville school bus when we must’ve been about 6 and the bus was redirected to pick up the Blakes at the Montrose as there had been a fire at her house when she lit a ‘May Altar’ candle under her bed…always at the very centre of drama but never without hilarity - from her victory for 25/1 outsider Willie Wumpkins at Cheltenham when bunking off RCSI lectures through internship at Richmond and junior docs at Beaumont - enduring memory is of unparalleled story-telling and laughter conjured up by Susan in her inimitable fashion - sad not to have seen her in recent years but such great memories of good times gone by, much loved, rest peacefully Susan, xx Will

Susan has gone - seems impossible, sad and poignant. Such wonderful memories of Susan’s energy, fun, wonderfully mad sense of humour, and brilliance.
I, and we, will miss her.
“ Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both …….
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference”

I was deeply saddened to hear of Susan’s untimely passing. We were neighbours and friends from our earliest school days in Mt Anville Montessori and remained in the same year group until Leaving Cert including skipping First Year. Susan was brilliant from the very start and English language and literature her first love. She was always the last girl standing in Spelling Bees in our earliest days and she devoured books. I think she really wanted to be a heroine in a romantic novel. She was the Mistress of all pranks in school and at home on Shrewsbury Rd, just endless fun and laughter followed her. I lost touch with her after Med School but loved that she became a Francophile. To Evelyne, Peter, Rhona and Judy, I extend my deepest condolences on the loss of your brightest star. We are all richer for having known this unique human being. May she Rest in Peace.

I am saddened by the illness and death of my younger cousin, Susan. Although we were first cousins (her father and my mother were brother and sister) I met Susan only twice, since we grew up on opposite sides of the Atlantic. My second time with Susan was a marvelous, memorable weekend with her and Evelyne in Nantes in 2008. Thank you, Evelyne, for your generous hospitality then, as Susan and I nattered on about our families well into the night. I send my sincere condolences to you, Evelyne, to dear Peter here in Canada, and to Rhona and Judy in Dublin.

Deepest condolences to Evelyne, Peter, Rhona, Judy and extended family from the Crowns.
Susan was a wonderful, kind, warm and very witty lady who was taken far too soon. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she had a highly developed creative side, with a talent for hilarious and insightful social commentary. In another life she might have made a career as a diarist in Vanity Fair.
She always loved Dublin and Kerry, but found great happiness in Nantes with Evelyne. When I spent a wonderful evening there with them and with Peter in 2016, she was still the same scintillating centre of attention, captivating a French audience as effortlessly as she had so many in the Horseshoe Bar.
The well worn phrase “they threw
away the mould” never seemed so apt. She will be missed. RIP

May her memory be eternal

Deepest sympathy to Evelyne and the Blake family on the death of Susan.
I got to know Susan on my visits to Les Terriers (Colette and Francois). My first encounter with her was dinner in La Table d'Oscar. My mother was with me and we were highly entertained by this literary, well versed woman, who could quote passages and poetry ad lib. At the time her apartment in Nantes was once the home of Jules Verne and she was very smitten with that. It appealed to her own literary creativity.
I have fond memories of the delicious Friday rendezvous lunches with various discussions in tow.
In 2016, some Dubs I knew attended the European cup in France. They based themselves in Nantes. They met with Susan, who loved mingling with the Irish fans and they were enamoured with her funny, gregarious personality. I was regaled with stories after.
Ní bheidh a leithéid anseo arís.

So many fond memories of Susan, our friendship began in RCSI where we embarked on many adventures together.
Our mutual love of France & the French language led us to Nimes during our studies on an elective for 3 months.of the summer in the early 80s. It was following this sojourn in the South of France that Susan's love affair with France ignited & her wish became, to move to France, which she ultimately did over 30 years ago & I am so happy that she pursued her dream & lived happily ever after with Evelynne in Nantes.
Like many friends of Susan I remember many dinners en famille with the Blakes in their beautiful black & white tiled dining room.... Frances & Sean Blake were warm, welcoming & generous hosts to many of our RCSI classmates over the years. (Though sometimes their absence was an opportunity for 'Party at Coolbeg') Susan was the ultimate party host & during our time sharing apartments we threw many a memorable party... 'Stormy weather' comes to mind!!!
To Peter, Rhona, Judy & their families I hope that your memories of Susan will bring you comfort at this sad time.
Love Margaret x

We were so deeply saddened to hear of Susan’s illness and subsequent death. I have so many happy memories from our childhood together and subsequent RCSI fun period. Susan was like no other. A dramatic raconteur, living life full-on, she entertained us many a day and night (students and staff alike). She was bright, a wonderful reader and writer and artistic. Although we didn’t see her for years, Susan was always who people enquired about. The Blake household was always very welcoming, although sometimes only Susan knew we were there!
I’m sure she will be deeply missed by her family, especially her wife and siblings, and by her close
Friends.

Susan was my aunt and godmother. I will always remember her humour and generosity. Once, at a toy store in New York, she told my brother and I that we could have everything we could carry in our arms. She sent us gifts in the mail every year, and every phone call lasted over an hour. She always had a story and good advice.

Aunt Susan will be greatly missed.

My deepest sympathy to Susan's beloved wife Evelyne, her French 'family of friends' and her family and friends in Ireland and Canada.
Susan's friendship was and will remain one of the great highlights and treasures of my life. Although heartbroken, I am grateful that she did not suffer long.
I think it fitting that the words of a great female poet come to mind as I paraphrase Edna St Vincent Millay
'Her candle burned at both ends, it did not last the night... but oh her friends, it gave a lovely light'

Rest in Peace dearest.💚

Susan was such beautiful person. I was deeply saddened to hear of Susan’s passing as she was such an intriguing person to talk to ! She very kindly gave me a book during my short time as waitress and I shall treasure it forever. My deepest condolences to her wife Evelyn as Susan was so kind and a truly inspiring, intelligent woman
Also to Rose you will be in my thoughts in the coming weeks x
From Clara

Our sympathy to all who mourn the loss of Susan. We enjoyed the pleasure of her company on many occasions during her visits to Cliff House hotel at Ballybunion. May she rest in peace
Gerry and Catherine OLeary

Susan, you were a shining light in our RCSI class of 84 which has lost its glow way too early. So many great memories of you still warm our hearts. Condolences to all your family. Rest in peace Susan

My sincere condolences to Evelyne and all Susan's family. I knew Susan (Susie) when I was growing up and especially as a teenager. She was always fun, witty, kind and very very smart. I left to settle in France about ten years before she did and our paths never crossed again. When she was in the Mater hospital she worked under Prof Eustace and in 2017 she wrote to her Mother who was suffering from Alzheimer's. Her "snapshots" were published in the Irish Medical Journal. I would recommend anyone who knew and loved Susan to read the snapshots as it shows her sense of humour and her ability to see the funny side of things. If you want to read them just google "IMJ snapshots of a professor". RIP Susan x

Sorry we could not make it to the funeral Evelyn and the Blake family. I consider Susan a kindred spirit, we always enjoyed her company. We are of the same vintage, from the South side and expats.The quintessential eccentric Irish academic and professional. We all liked to eat drink and be merry and enjoy fun to the full. A big thank you for the champagne lunch in the red room during the World Cup, a memory and occasion that will always be with us. We alway asked after and Colette used always keep us up to date on how Susan was getting on, they were great friends and we are sorry for Colette’s loss. Rest in piece Susan, a chara, we will miss you,

Sincere sympathy to the Blake family.

Rest in Peace Susan Condolences too your Family

Sending my heartfelt condolences to Susan's family. As a friend, we will miss her terribly. She loved receiving people and always had an interesting poem, book or anecdote to share with enthusiasm and conviction. She loved people and had a capacity to reach out to everyone regardless of age, origin or whatever, there were no barriers. May she rest in peace now enjoying good company as she always did.

To my dear friend Susan. I am so sad to hear of your passing. I have so many memories of our college days…our time in Bantry together as elective students, your many visits to Killala to meet and entertain my folks and all of our dinners in your house on a Sunday evening. This only added to the fun we had in college …Rices, histology slides, Cheltenham races immediately come to mind! You were a great friend Susan and I’m sure Peter, Rhona and Judy are really hurting at the moment. Rest in peace now Susan….Ill always remember you with such fond memories. Joan x

Sending all my love to the Blakes, my oh my what fun we all had growing up as neighbours and friends! Susan always loud, fun, smart as a whip and extremely generous in every way! Bold and brilliant! 💝 RIP

All v sad
Sad loss
Sad silence
Sad voice
RIP