Susan Elizabeth Porskamp

On Saturday afternoon, July 4, 2026, our world became a little dimmer as our beloved Susan Elizabeth Porskamp took her sunshine and spread its glow beyond our physical presence.

The only daughter of Garnie and Lois Parker, she grew up with her brother, Chris, in Aylesford. Her schooling began at St. Mary’s Elementary, continued at West Kings District High School and culminated at Mount Allison University, and she excelled all the way.

Her natural athleticism showed in every sport she played but most especially field hockey in which she competed at a provincial level. She golfed and especially loved the sport and camaraderie of curling. Whether batting a homer, shooting a BB gun at a can or playing dominoes, it would be a fair statement that Susan was competitive.

Family was the most important thing to Susan, coming from a big crew of Smiths and McMahons — aunts, uncles and first cousins on her mother’s side. After meeting and marrying the absolute love of her life, Martin, and bringing three talented daughters into the world, that tradition was continued with the Porskamps, Mentink and Dauphinee families also. How Susan loved to welcome all to the farm in Sheffield Mills, and the cottage in Baxter’s Harbour.

Susan cherished her circle of forever friends from their years in The Mills who raised their own children and shared camping and travel adventures with the Porskamps.

Career wise, Susan started out as a new grad working in the world of insurance which took her to greater Toronto for a brief period, but the homesick Maritimer returned, married soon after and undertook her role as mother and farm wife in fine form. She and Martin operated a kayaking enterprise from the farm, selling equipment and touring eager paddlers locally. When her daughters were in high school, Susan decided to pursue further study and she commuted to Dartmouth for course work, graduating from the Maritime School of Paramedicine. Her last job was as a Case Aide for what was Family and Children’s Services. Susan was not one to back down from a challenge either at work or play. An avid cyclist, she and Martin rode with several groups on roads and trails in Nova Scotia. She did the Cabot Trail three times, the Grand Fondo Baie Ste-Marie twice and joined a group of women to complete a tour in Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary of hundreds of kilometres.

Susan and Martin enjoyed travel together, with their girls to warm destinations, and to The Netherlands from which Martin’s family emigrated. Europe, the UK, most of Canada as well as Australia and New Zealand were special experiences. Feeling her absence keenly are Martin, her beloved husband of 44 years, daughters Adrienne, Emily and Allison and their spouses/partner, two adored grandchildren, Sophie Young and Lachlan Brayford. Also her dog Bella and cat Charlie will miss her call of "Supper!" She is deeply loved and missed by her brother, cousins, in-laws and nieces and nephews and so many dear friends.

Sincere thanks to all of Susan’s healthcare practitioners over the years, with gratitude to those who helped in her mental health management. Thank you to the full team of doctors and oncology specialists who worked with her using recent advances in ovarian cancer treatment.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at The Barn at the Old Orchard Inn on Saturday, July 18, 2026, after 1 p.m., with words of remembrance at 2 p.m. Donations in Susan Porskamp’s memory can be made to Valley Hospice Foundation or to Ovarian Cancer Canada. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.

"My story is not over."