In Honour of Suzanne Madeleine Inglis

We are humbled each day by the kindness and generosity of so many of our supporters. But, now and then, a story comes along that moves us to tears. Mr. Tom Inglis inspires us so with how he is honouring the wishes and memory of his beloved wife, Suzanne Madeleine Inglis. We are so honoured to be a part of his beautiful tribute to this amazing woman. Suzanne’s love for her birthplace will live on in all the children they are helping. With much love and gratitude to Tom & Suzanne.

Suzanne Madeleine Inglis 1951 – 2020

“A donation has been made to the Children of Vietnam Benevolent Foundation in memory of my wife of 29 years. We discussed her wish that we donate to help children in Vietnam before she passed.

Some 52 years after her birth in Saigon circumstances would lead her son to make his home there. Now married with two children her son has remained living in Ho Chi Minh. This resulted in Suzanne returning to her birthplace in 2006 to visit. Suzanne felt an immediate special attachment to Saigon.

Suzanne and I had the good fortune to visit South East Asia five times before she passed. Returning to Ho Chi Minh (it was always Saigon to Suzanne) was always highly anticipated. Most visits required a trip to Highlands Coffee behind the Opera house for an iced coffee. One of our first great memories was dinner at Huong Lai in Ho Chi Minh. The restaurant is a training ground for homeless and disadvantaged youth in the city to develop life skills.

Suzanne and I had the opportunity to visit many parts of Vietnam including Sapa, Hanoi, Hang Long Bay, Hue, Danang, Hoi An, Phan Tiet, Dalat, Can Tho, Chau Doc, and Phu Quoc. In all regions of the country, Suzanne and I found there was a common spirit of friendship, hope, and entrepreneurship.

Suzanne began her life journey when she was born in Saigon, Vietnam on October 6, 1951 while her father was assigned to the British Embassy. She returned to England shortly after her first birthday. Life’s adventure found her living in Germany, Belgium, UK, and Switzerland before arriving in Vancouver, Canada. She ultimately moved to Mississauga, ON.

Suzanne will be remembered as determined, with an exceptional mind, as a voracious reader and conversationalist on current affairs as well as an adventurous cook. She loved being in her secret garden at home, with two cats in the yard. She graduated from University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (honours) where we met.

In addition to family in Vietnam, Suzanne is survived by her daughter, son-in-law and four granddaughters in Calgary, her sister in Vancouver, and her two brothers in the UK.

It is my hope that Suzanne’s spirit will live on in some small way by assisting children in her birthplace of Vietnam with this gift.”Tom InglisMississauga, ONMay 2022