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It is with much sorrow that the family announce that Susan Elisabeth Dewhurst-Rafuse passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 5, 2026 due to a terminal illness. She leaves behind her husband Ted, children Audra and Ryan, and grandsons Shay and Ultan. Ted and Audra were at her side when she passed away at home. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer so that all family members will be in attendance, details to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice in her memory.
I met this tough woman through Rotary a she was a force to be reckoned with. She had innovative ideas and a sharp mind until the end. She had a unique perspective on the world and when she spoke everyone listened. She was also colourful and playful in nature. I both loved an miss her. Mat
Dear Ted and family, Brian and I are so very sad to learn of your enormous loss. Susan was a talented, caring, cheerful and successful contributor to our community. She created a landmark business which offered many of us a place to no only shop but to connect and socialize. She was a major thread in the fabric of the community. She will be missed. Our thoughts are with you.
I had the honour of working with Susan for many years, and had nothing but respect for her. May she rest in peace, and I’m sure she is telling someone to spruce the place up! Audra, and Ted so sorry for your loss
Ted sorry for your loss my condolences to you and the family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Hi This message is for Mr. Rafuse. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife. I went to the East from 1978 to 1983 . You were one of my favorite teachers.
Lots of fun with Susan Working on Walton Street
Ted , sorry for your loss ,please except my condolences at this sad time. RIP Susan Rafuse.
Sorry to read the news of your loss of Susan. I’m glad you had so many years together. I remember back to when you first were dating and you couldn’t attend my wedding as you were off to Stratford. Know you will have so many wonderful memories. Warmest thoughts Ted.
Dear Ted. and Family, Many condolences on Susan’s death. She was such a bright, engaging person- so involved in her community and always warm and friendly. Mike and I did not see much of her in recent years but remember how welcoming she was when we visited her and Ted. at their home. They complimented each other, were a great pair and Susan was very proud of her family. Deepest sympathies from Faith, Michael and the Jones and Brown Families.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
We are both so sorry to lose a wonderful neighbour and person. We did not know of her struggle! Lots of hugs! - Rick and Lynn Rogalski
Ted , so very sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. Sending comforting thoughts to you and your family during this sad time In time, I pray you will look back at your years together and cherish those memories even more Warm hugs
We are so sad to learn of Susan’s passing. We know she and Ted loved their time together and spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Ted I was sorry to hear about your wife, Susan. My heart goes out to you at this difficult and emotional time. Chris
My many memories of Susan was in the early days of her children swimming in the Port Hope summer swim team! Also my many visits to her store & the past number of years living next door to my step daughter! She will be missed! My condolences to Ted, Ryan & Audra & families!
I was sorry to hear of Susan's passing and subsequently have it confirmed on this site. I first met her many years ago @ her store when she generously ran those fundraising sales for Big Sisters (and, while not much a clothes shopper myself, even found some bargains - some of which I probably still wear!). I more recently periodically ran into her @ Curves. I kept informed her about a mutual friend's illness and eventual passing but Susan made no mention of her illness so I had no idea she was ill and am sorry to read of her passing. She was a smart business woman, outgoing, always putting her customers first and always friendly. My sincere sympathies to her family.-
Ted, I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of Susan. Thinking about you during this difficult time. Death leaves a heart ache no one can heal, Love leaves memories no one can steal. May Susan RIP
Ted, Audra and family, I am so sorry to read about Susan. She was an incredible woman that will be missed by many. She was very kind and I will never forget her.
I was so sorry to hear of Susan's passing. As a member of the Port Hope Rotary Club Bill enjoyed his time working with her on so many local projects, and I always enjoyed both being at many events as well as in her store. May your many happy memories bring you solace during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Susan’s passing. Sympathy and condolences to Ted and family.
Ted, Audra and Family, sending our condolences during this difficult time. I fondly remember our Curves workouts, shopping at her clothing store and visits with her in Mexico. We always enjoyed her company! RIP Susan
Sending my deepest condolences Ted to you and your family over your loss of Susan..May she Rest In Peace
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
ACO Port Hope
Dear Ted and family, our sincere condolences for your loss. Susan will be very well-remembered and she leaves a legacy with Port Hope Rotary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ted, Bonnie and I are so sorry to hear of Susan's passing. She was a active member of the Rotary Club of Port Hope after becoming the first female member in 1989 when Rotary changed the rules to accept women. We worked together on many projects to support our community. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
My fond memories of Susan was making me feel valued and important from the moment she greeted me in her store. Her kindness, smile & helpful suggestions went way beyond any expectations. The closing of her store was Port Hope’s loss. My sincere condolences to her family on the passing of this beautiful lady. 💙
Ted and family, I am so sorry to hear of this loss in your family and wish you all the best at this time.
I learned so much about work, life and the beauty of female friendship while working for Susan in high school. She was a phenomenal mentor and role model. My sincerest condolences to Ted, Audra, Ryan and her grandchildren.
Ted, Audra, Ryan, Shay, and Ulsan: We extend to you our deepest sympathies at this time for your loss of Susan. May your cherished memories carry you through this time of sorrow.
Ted, Please accept my heartfelt sympathies and condolences at your deeply-felt loss. I have known you both for so many years and I hope that knowing I share your loss in some small way may help you, Ted at this time. I had seen you both recently and am so glad I was able to do so. My sympathies extend to your family as well. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
To Ted and family, I was very sorry to hear of your loss. Susan was such a lovely woman. And I will always be grateful for the time and energy she put into her research on local women during WWII. I know our community will miss her.
Mr Rafuse, you were one of my high school teachers who I felt was better than most. I never met your wife, but I feel your loss. She had a good man, and I'm sure you made her happy. Enjoy your memories.
Ted ,Audra & Ryan we are so very sorry to hear the passing of Susan , she was such a wonderful person and a very special Lady ,Our heartfelt condolences are with u all at this time thoughts and prayers with you . 🙏RIP Susan
My deepest condolences to the family. Susan has always held a very special place in my heart and memories. I was always a customer of Susan Dewhurst fashions in Port Hope but she left a huge impression on me as one of my early employers and a true mentor. While working for Susan and after I first was accepted to UWO, I approached her for helping me select my first year courses and she helped guide me. She further inspired me for continuing education in my later years by watching her return to school later in life and earning her degrees. I was thrilled with her research on women's lives and impact during WW2. She was a kind, thoughtful and incredibly talented woman. Sending you all love and kindness.
Ted sorry for your loss my condolences to you and the family.
Dear Ted, Audra, and Ryan, I was so sorry to hear of Susan’s passing. She was part of our life in Port Hope from the time we first arrived, until we all retired. She was a fantastic business woman who kept me fashionably clothed, she saw Ray with her family at our office, and chatted, and became a friend. My sincere condolences to all, Anne Tesluk
Dear Ted and family - I just returned from a time away and learned of Susan’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss . She was a kind and gentle lady and I will remember her smile and many kindnesses. My thoughts are with you as you walk this difficult road. Brenda Nutter.
Ted and Audra and family. Sorry to hear about Susan’s passing. She was a wonderful friend and role model. I feel grateful to have known her. Sending hugs and my condolences 💕
My deepest condolence on the loss of Susan. She will be missed.
Dear Ted and family: I am sorry and saddened to receive news of dear Susan’s passing. She was an icon of the Port Hope business community and a leader in so many facets of its life. Closer to home, she was an instrumental member of the St Mark’s Heritage Foundation over many years. I hope the warm memories of happy family times give you comfort and solace in the days ahead. May she rest in the eternal peace of Christ and rise in glory. A good friend indeed and a life we lived.
So very sorry to hear of Susan’s passing.Our thoughts are with you Ted and all your family. May she rest in peace.
Dear Ted, Audra and Ryan! So sorry to hear about Susan’s passing. I met Susan at Curves. She always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. Condolences to you and your families. Sylvia
Dear Audra Ryan and family Always enjoyed our meetings in the office or at the store. My sincere sympathy. Kathy (Dr Tesluks office)
So very sorry to read hear of the passing of Susan..Her clothing store was a part of downtown Port Hope for many many years.. She donated much time and energy for the betterment of Port Hope and was a well respected business women.Thoughts are with her family and friends..Lori Andrus
Dear Ted and family. Our deepest condolences to you all. Susan played a special role in our lives and we wouldn’t have lasted in retail without her support and guidance. Love Eileen and Blake.
Dear Ted & Family My deepest condolances to you all during this difficult time. 🫂
Ted, sorry to learn of Susan’s passing. May she RIP.
I enjoyed our conversations at our Curves workouts. We shared a May 10th birthday. RIP Susan.
Being your next door neighbour for so many years, we were lucky to watch you both cherish every moment with Shay & Ultan. Having Susan share memories of my mom & dad (Debbie) was priceless & I will never forget those extra memories that she gave me. Susan wasn’t just a neighbour to us, she was much more. She will be so very missed. Ted, Audra & Ryan, Shay & Ultan, we are holding you in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. I have very fond memories of Susan. Growing up in Port Hope was a rich and wonderful experience because of people like Susan who were the fabric of our wonderful community. She will be missed dearly.
Dear Ted & family, My sincere condolences on your dear Susan’s passing. She was a big contributor to the Port Hope business community. May you treasure wonderful family memories. Peace, Karen Chalovich
Ted very sorry to hear of this sad news. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Dave
A respected Port Hope business person who clearly loved her town. We were better for her presence. Condolences to her family.
Dear Ted and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Susan was always so welcoming. My sincerest condolences to your entire family. Beth
Condolences to Susan's family..
Dear Ted. We are so sorry for the loss of your partner. Susan was such a welcoming delightful person. She will be missed in the community and all our lives. Deepest sympathy Tony and Carol
Our condolences to Ted and the family on Susan's passing.
Ted So sorry for your loss and deepest condolences to your whole family. Paul