Susan Margaret was born on March 7, 1946, to proud parents Walter and Phyllis (Peer) Oram in Toronto. Susan was an only child.
In the 1970’s, Susan was working for an insurance company as a broker. She met many people through working in insurance, and one special person in particular was Wesley “Wes” Norman Leybourne. They would give each other a hard time every time he came into the office, and Wes felt a connection right away. Wes went to her house to pick her up for a date, however, she was already out on a date. Wes decided to wait and sat at the house with Susan’s mom until she came back! Shortly after, Susan met Wes’ two sons, Edward and John. The two fell in love and Susan, Wes, and the two boys became a family. They lived together for years, and the two were married on December 20, 1983.
Susan and Wes made the decision to move to Beeton so they could get out of the city. They bought B.A.T (Beeton, Alliston, and Tottenham Taxi), and also bought five video stores, in Tottenham, Alliston, Beeton, Shelbourne, and Discount Video in the States. Susan and Wes moved from Beeton to Colgan and sold the video stores. They then started their own printing business, Flyers Express. When they bought their home in Colgan, it was a twelve acre hobby farm, with sheep, pigs, and cows. Wes and Susan sold the printing business after twenty years and moved to Meaford. After a year in Meaford, they didn’t enjoy being in town there, so they made the move to the main street in Paisley, where they remained.
Susan was a very supportive wife to Wes. Wes had a love for cars, so the two travelled everywhere to attend car shows. They also owned a motor home that they enjoyed travelling with all over the States. They enjoyed getting away and the many friends they met along the way. Susan enjoyed shopping for clothes and many pairs of shoes.
In July of 2023, life changed forever for the Leybourne family when Wes was in an accident and sustained head trauma. Wes passed away in October of 2023. Shortly after, Susan experienced her own health issues, and she passed away at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Chesley, on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, in her 78th year.
Loving mother of Edward and John, both of Paisley. Cherished grandmother of Chelsie and Elizabeth, and Donovon True-Leybourne, and family dog Bella. Susan will be missed by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from all over Canada and the United States. Predeceased by her husband Wesley “Wes” Leybourne, her great-granddaughter Nevaeh, and her parents Walter and Phyllis (Peers) Oram.
A celebration of Susan’s life will be held at the Klages Mill, Chesley, on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 1 – 3 p.m.
Memorial donations to Parkview Manor Residents Fund would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
