Passing the vest: A Sunnybrook volunteer carries on her mother’s 35-year legacy

Susan volunteering at Sunnybrook in the early 2000’s.

Susan Nelson — known to many as Sunshine Sue — volunteered at Sunnybrook for 35 years. She began at age 40 in 1989 while raising her family at home, driven by a desire to give back and build a sense of community.

Susan found community in the Critical Care Unit, a place where kindness and compassion is needed most.

“She had a large emotional capacity and a great listening ear,” her daughter, Katie Etherington, said. “She really took volunteering seriously. She was very dedicated, she loved the nurses, the doctors, this was really her second home. This became a really special place for her. The staff became her family.”

For 35 years, Susan held hands, listened to fears, and celebrated small victories with patients and families.

A final return to the place she loved

In October 2024, Susan became unexpectedly ill. Her husband insisted she be taken to Sunnybrook by ambulance; he knew she would want to be nowhere else.

Susan was admitted to the Critical Care Unit, the place she served for decades. When word spread about Susan, volunteers, nurses, doctors and other staff came to visit her.

Katie thanked the staff for their care. “The nurses and doctors were incredible,” she said. “They were gentle and compassionate. Talking to her and caring for her as if she were their own parent.”

Sadly, Susan passed away on October 22, 2024, in her bed at Sunnybrook. Even after her passing, she continued to give. She was an organ donor and donated her lungs — another example of her selflessness and generosity.

When the family gathered to say goodbye, Katie turned to see a long line of people behind her. “Nurses, doctors, volunteers, staff, everyone came to pay their respects,” she said. “Our family felt an incredible bear hug around us. You could hear a pin drop. It was incredible to see the impact she had on so many people.”

Passing on the volunteer vest

Months later, while helping her father at home, Katie brushed past a rack of clothes. Her mother’s Sunnybrook volunteer vest fell to the floor.

Katie burst out laughing and said, “I hear you, mom. I’m on it.”

Katie took that as a sign from her mom and contacted Sunnybrook soon after to apply as a volunteer.

Katie standing in front of the volunteer desk at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre.

In October 2025, at age 40 — the same age her mother was when she started — Katie began volunteering at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre.

Katie says she feels honoured to carry on her mother’s legacy. She wears her mother’s vest with pride, her mother’s service pins on the outside, and her name tag tucked on the inside, over her heart.

Katie’s vest with all her mother’s pins and name tag.

After her first month, Katie says she looks forward to every shift. “You will always leave the shift feeling fulfilled,” she said. “If you have time to give, you will look back with no regrets. Looking back at the people you help will always come back to you.”

A message from Sunnybrook

Volunteers are a valued part of Team Sunnybrook, delivering exceptional patient and family experiences. As we celebrate International Volunteer Day on December 5, we recognize the dedication, compassion and generosity that each of our volunteers bring to Sunnybrook. Volunteers like Susan leave an important legacy, and current volunteers like Katie help make this place special. Thank you to our more than 700 volunteers for the remarkable impact you make every day.