Obituary of Susan Margaret Bristo

BRISTO, Susan Margaret – Age 74, of Riverdale, Queens Co., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. Born in Brighton, England; she was a daughter of the late Thomas Leonard and Margaret Elizabeth Elliott.

Early family life for Susan included living in Montreal before settling in Brantford, Ontario. When Susan met her soul mate Richard their marriage set a course of adventure and discovery across many parts of Canada. In the early days both were involved in the trucking business. Their love of ministry and helping others soon became achievable goals for both Susan and her husband. Devotion to their amazing children Mavis and Matthew, were also most important to Susan and Richard.

Susan's love of the outdoors led to many years of RV experiences with her devoted husband Richard and family. During her 50 plus years of married life, family pets played an important role in Susan's life, they included many dogs and cats, all close family members for sure. In later years Susan and Richard found time to set courses on ocean cruises covering both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They visited many parts of the world sharing time with family visits along the way.

Susan's health slowed her down some, as age-related issues became more evident. It never stopped her unwavering efforts to help others before self. What an inspiration to those of us still left behind. She led a simple life that was filled, to overflowing with goodness. Susan lived a quiet and unassuming life as a pastor’s wife, lovingly supporting her husband’s ministry of 38 years, as they shared God’s love and joy while delighting in everywhere that their journey through life took them. Life included living in Saskatoon, Comox Valley Vancouver Island, Bow Island, Medicine Hat, and Edmonton all in Alberta, to finally retiring along the South Shore of Nova Scotia.  She too devoted her life to the church and pastoring to others. Also, during several years of Susan’s life, she was a real estate agent in the local area. Susan enjoyed gardening and demonstrated an artistic side when spare time provided the opportunity.

Susan's gentle way with animals, especially her dogs Oshie and Kailee gave some comfort as life continued on following the loss of her soul mate, best friend and husband Richard.

Surviving is her daughter, Mavis Aubichon, Cumberland, BC; son, Matthew Bristo, Vancouver, BC; grandchildren, Brody MacGregor, Ayrienna MacGregor and Jaidin Aubichon; nephew, Kerry (Marion) Bristo, Princeton, Ontario.;  nieces, Sharleen (Bristo) Gatecliffe, husband Richard, Lorie (Bristo) Dyer, husband Ted, all of Ontario, Meghan (Brooke) Herman, Vancouver Island and Rebecca Elliott, Australia; sister in law, Joy Archer; brother in law, Dudley (Caroline) Bristo, all of Ontario and several other nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband, Rev. Richard Alden Bristo; and brother, Thomas Gregory Elliott.

There will be no visitation at the funeral home by request. Service of Remembrance will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Bridgewater Baptist Church, 564 Glen Allen Drive, Bridgewater. Rev. Dr. Aaron Kenny officiating. Interment will take place at a later date with her husband in Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bridgewater Baptist Church, Liverpool Baptist Church, Inter-Church Food Bank or Health Services Foundation of the South Shore.

Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater, where on-line condolences and messages may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.