Sue Irwin was a woman of passion and vision who realized a dream on behalf of many hundreds of families of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions when she founded the Haven House Children’s Hospice. It is with great sadness that we announce her untimely death on Sunday, 6th April 2008.
Sue had a wide range of experience working with children; she was a registered general nurse, a registered midwife and a health visitor. It was while she was working as a health visitor in Dagenham in the early 1990s that she became aware of the need for a local children’s hospice. In particular she worked closely with a young boy, Gary who had severe disabilities. Sue recognised that he and his mother needed respite from the rigorous demands of care that were placed on them. There was nowhere close to home that could offer this kind of support.
With passion and commitment Sue pursued a dream to provide an environment that could offer dignity and care to both children and young people and their families. She realised the isolation that resulted from caring for a child with a life limiting or life-threatening condition and sought to provide a place of beauty and tranquillity that could offer professional support for all the family.
Despite a number of debilitating strokes which made the fulfilment of her vision even more challenging, Sue was not deterred from her path. Sue was able to see Haven House emerge as a place of excellence serving children in North East London and surrounding boroughs. Haven House remains grateful for the love and care that she showed right up until her final days.
“It is difficult to know how to adequately sum up Sue’s life as she was someone of great inner strength and determination. It is fitting then simply to remember her as a woman of Faith who had a vision and a commitment to see it through on behalf of people less fortunate than her. It is on this basis that Haven House will remember her and celebrate all that she gave and the vision which will continue long after her death” said Jeremy Todd, Chief Executive of Haven House.
Our condolences go to Sue’s husband John, who was and remains a stalwart supporter of all that we do within the Hospice and her three sons, Matthew, Mark and Ben and their families. Sue will be greatly missed as a wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
A Memorial Service will be held at Haven House Children’s Hospice on June 10th 2008 at 12noon. The family has requested no flowers, and if you would like to make a donation to Haven House please mark it in memory of Sue Irwin.
Please telephone 020 8505 9944 should you wish to attend the Memorial Service.
For further information please contact Jane Steward on 020 8506 3630 or mobile number 07889 995814. |
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| " A wonderfull women who's commitment and thoughtfulness has given our family and many families, a most wonderfull, special place. Haven House.
Our condolences to Sues family and friends.
Forever Thankfull." |
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| Spike Clarkes family. |
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| " Condolences for the family and friends of Sue. As a parent of a child who has the privilage of attending Haven House I thankyou for your vision as the hospice truly is a much needed respite for parents and children.Every time a child enters the hospice your light will shine forever." |
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| Jackie ,Tia and family |
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| " As a volunteer it was a priveledge to be associated with Sue, her dream came true and I am proud to be able to help Haven House" |
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| Linda Eriera |
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| " Sue will be remembered with love by many" |
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| Andrea Smith |
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| " I was really proud to have been at the very beginning of the development and opening of Haven House much of it lead by the inspiration and belief of Sue. Although living away she was always involved. I always enjoyed meeting and talking to her as she was always so warm amd friendly and showed us all how to enjoy yourself despite having a disability . My love and prayers to John and family and also to Chris a true friend" |
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| Jacinta Dunlea |
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| " Having met Sue only twice, she struck me as a woman of faith and courage, and yet humble and ordinary. Thank you Sue for your faith and perseverance. May your work continue as you determined it, and may we be true to your vision. Peter" |
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| Peter Ellis |
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| " Although I never had the honour of meeting Sue I feel priviledged to be a part of what she created. Her vision and determination for Haven House was amazing. We will work hard to continue her dream. " |
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| Liz Harridge |
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| " I will always remember Sue's warm welcomimg smile and her kind encouraging words when Haven Buddies was just an idea in my head! Like so many others, in my work at Haven House I have drawn on Sues inspiration and great vision. But above all Sue's spirit never failed to shine through - so I think I'll always remember her as a true lady who in her heart always wore purple!! " |
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| Babs and The Haven Buddies |
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| " I admire sue so much for all her hard work and determination throughout her life. I have been working as a member of the care team for the past 5 years, i have enjoyed every moment of it being apart of it's growth and development. I am very proud to say that i work at Haven House which I can only thank Sue for as if it was'nt for her we wouldn't be here now.
I wish you all well and deeply sorry for your loss." |
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| Bev Shearer |
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| " As we send out the latest edition of the Haven House newsletter, I am proud to be part of the team carrying on Sue's dream." |
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| Carol |
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| " Our Beautiful Auntie, You inspired me on so many levels, with your faith, and strength, and facing it all with a sense of humour! You have done so much, and I know that now you are dancing and resting in the most peaceful, restoring place! I will never forget you, so many memories as a quiet child to the last time i saw you holding you hand so tight, Will love you always " |
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| Anna (Sue's neice) |
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| " Often in life we are privileged to meet special people who have a special call on their lives. Sue was such a person. Having clearly heard God's call to meet the needs of sick children and their families, she pursued that vision with energy, drive, enthusiasm and great faith in our Heavenly Father. Her love and kindness, integrity, sense of fun, passion and total dedication have resulted in Haven House. How we praise the Lord for every remembrance of you Sue.
Chris Mansell.
Chris Mansell." |
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| Chris Mansell |
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| " I never had the opportunity to meet Sue, but to be part of her dream is both an honour and privilege. " |
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| Marion Levinson |
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| " Auntie Sue you really were one of a kind. I have such fond memories of you and they all have your smiling face (accept for when Ben and I blew up your patio) You were a kind hearted, welcoming, loving, warm, cuddly lady who I looked up to and admired. I look forward to the days when can think of you and not feel so sad. Auntie Sue you will be forever in my heart. Rest in peace amazing lady. " |
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| Tasha (Sue's niece) |
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| " Sue's commitment and generosity is an inspiration to us all. It is an honour to be part of her wonderful vision." |
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| Laura Precious |
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| " Sue will be greatly missed by everyone at Haven House. She had a fantastic vision which she turned into a reality and this has made a difference to so many lives." |
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| Sarah Edwards |
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| " Sue's vision and commitment to Haven House has been truly inspirational. There are many whose lives will have changed as a result of the determination and love that she showed. It is a privilege to be part of Sue's dream." |
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| Jane Steward |
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| " To a lovely lady.
Your dream will go on forever." |
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| Shelia Keizner |
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| " To a wonderful woman who had a dream. That dream was Haven House. A special place for Children and Families.
That dreams continues today thanks to Sue.
God be with you." |
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| Helen, Christine Bridget and Darren |
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| " Sue was a very kind, caring and generous lady who has left the wonderful legacy of Haven House. I will always remember the special happy times we spent together and it was a great joy and privilege to have known her." |
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| Mary Blewett |
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| " In a world of management speak and corporate strategies Sue reminded us that effective care for people springs from vision and determination and faith." |
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| Ian Sparks |
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| " A Truly wonderful lady, a great honour to have known her.My thoughts,love and prayers are now for her family and dear friends.Peace and free from pain dear SUE." |
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| Betty Greene |
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| " Sue was an extraordinary lady whose generosity knew no bounds.Sue gave so much and did not expect anything back in return. " |
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| Eve Langton |
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| " I remember meeting Sue for the first time in the early 90s as she visited my office and explained the dream God had given her for Haven House. It seemed such a big dream and one that I at first thought was unachievable. Yet Sue was able to hold on to the vision because of her strong belief that it was heaven-sent. And her faith was rewarded! It was a remarkable experience and pleasure to work with Sue in the remaining years of the 1990s, as the Haven House dream came together by God's grace. I thank God for the opportunity to know such a lovely and faithful lady. " |
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| Ivan King Cranbrook Baptist Church - Ilford |
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| " I only know of Sue though my daughter Elizabeth, but following the progress of Haven House from Elizabeth, her family must be verey proud and her selfless work will continue" |
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| MAUREEN |
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| " Sue, you were and always will be an inspiration to us all. Your legacy will be in our hearts and minds forever. Throughout your illnesses you always had a smile for both the staff and families at Haven House. You will be sadly missed. Sincere condolences to John and the boys, and also to your dear friend Christine. x x" |
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| Dawn Tharby |
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| " I have many very happy memories of the times I have been in the company of Sue. She was a very special person and I shall always remember her lovely smile. I know she is in a lovely place now and will be very happy." |
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| Hilary Marsh |
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| " a very special lady who will always live in our hearts. It was an honour to be part of your dream , and we will continue to keep your wonderful dream alive." |
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| natalie |
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| " A truly lovely lady whose faith never wavered. A privilege and joy to have known her.
Our loss is Heaven's gain." |
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| Pat and Alan Thompson |
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| " We will rembember the glint in her eye,determination in her mind and the love in her heart.It is a privelage to have known and worked with Sue over the years.
Roger and Freda Ball" |
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| Freda and Roger Ball |
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| " Fantastic lady to have known and work with; such courage and determination to realize her God given vision. She will live on in our hearts." |
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| Terry & Lyn Joy |
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| " You were a really lovely lady who I am so glad to have met. Your dream will go from strength to strength." |
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| Val Wenham |
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| " you were a ray of light from the start and will be sadly missed by me love Avril" |
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| avril mills |
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| " An inspirational lady who I feel honoured to have known. Your 'sparkle' and determination ever present at Haven House. " |
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| Liz Chappell |
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| " Sue was an inspirational figure who 'punched well above her weight'. She always retained a sparkle in her eye and an interest in others, despite her own personal suffering. She has left a legacy that so many of us are proud to be associated with - we will miss her but not forget all the laughter shared." |
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| Jeremy |
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