Obituary of Susan McLaine

McLAINE, Susan “Tudy” (née Reed)

November 18, 1933 – June 21, 2025

Susan “Tudy” McLaine passed away peacefully at the New Edinburgh Square Retirement Home in Ottawa, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the age of 91.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Tudy led a life deeply rooted in service, adventure, and heart.

Her early years, shaped by global travel and civic involvement alongside her parents, Robert and Susan Reed, sparked a lifelong dedication to making the world a better place.

Studying at Columbia University, she met her beloved Alan McLaine at International House where the two resided.

The Canadian “foreigner” would become her life partner and fellow citizen of the world.

As a diplomatic spouse, Tudy thrived across seven postings in 33 years—from Moscow to Havana, London to Prague—embracing each new culture, learning the languages and traditions and resorting to expressive charades when necessary.

She flourished as an educator, teaching ESL in four different countries, founding a Home and School Association, and establishing vibrant International Women’s Clubs.

Her remarkable talents as a connector and community-builder touched countless lives across the globe.

Tudy and Alan built a family of four daughters—Lynnie (Philip Zunder), Heather (Brad Sweeney), Sheila, and Margot (Peter Jaeggin)—

who carry forward her legacy of curiosity, compassion, and global citizenship.

She was a devoted and endlessly proud grandmother to Ben (Claire), Rebecca (Walid), Megan, Devon, Katie, and Nicholas, and a gleeful great-grandmother to little Olive.

With her persistent call to action: “Think globally, act locally”, Tudy was a proud Unitarian, a fierce environmentalist before it was fashionable,

an arts enthusiast, and an unforgettable hostess—just ask anyone who’s tasted her grasshopper pie.

Her later years were equally vibrant. At New Edinburgh Square, she became a pillar of the community,

known for curating fascinating speaker series, organizing Staff UN Days, and infusing daily life with humour, intellect, and warmth.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and celebrated as the indomitable spirit we knew simply as - 2D.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Canadian Friends of International House:

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A celebration of life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 30 Cleary Ave, Ottawa,

on Saturday, July 19 at 2:00 pm with a reception to follow.