Sue Fay Healy — Esteemed Cultural Matriarch, Revered Irish Dance Leader, Beloved Wife, Cherished Mother and Grandmother, and Respected Community Mentor — Remembered with Deep Affection by Ottawa Following Her Peaceful Transition at 67, Surrounded by Family
The city of Ottawa stands together in heartfelt remembrance as it honors the life and enduring legacy of Sue Fay Healy, a radiant figure in the world of Irish dance and a treasured symbol of cultural identity and unity. Her peaceful passing on Sunday, June 8th, at the age of 67, has touched the lives of countless individuals, from family members and lifelong friends to generations of dancers, fellow educators, and cultural enthusiasts who were shaped by her visionary leadership and boundless compassion.
Sue’s influence stretched well beyond her role as a celebrated dance instructor. She was the founder and creative force behind SFH Irish Dance, an institution recognized not only for its award-winning performances but also for the deeply supportive, inclusive environment she fostered. Her studio became a second home for many—a place of artistry, discipline, and cultural immersion where young dancers discovered their roots, developed their talents, and formed lifelong bonds.
From the earliest days of her youth, Sue was drawn to the expressive power of Irish dance, a passion born from her deep familial ties to Irish heritage. That passion would evolve into a lifelong vocation, one that transformed communities, elevated cultural traditions, and provided purpose and pride to countless students across Canada and abroad.
Her leadership of SFH Irish Dance was characterized by a philosophy that extended beyond competition and performance. Sue believed that Irish dance was not just an art form—it was a living connection to ancestry, a celebration of identity, and a powerful means of storytelling. Under her direction, the school became a haven for authenticity, excellence, and intergenerational mentorship. Every lesson she taught was infused with patience, precision, and purpose.
Over the years, Sue trained and inspired hundreds of dancers, many of whom have gone on to pursue careers in professional dance, teaching, choreography, and community outreach. Yet her deepest pride lay not in their accolades, but in their growth as individuals. She celebrated character over medals, kindness over acclaim. She often reminded her students that “every step tells a story”—a sentiment that reflected her core belief that cultural expression is a lifelong journey of meaning and connection.
While her accomplishments in the realm of dance were vast, they were only part of the life Sue built with devotion and grace. As a wife, she shared decades of deep companionship with her husband, whose quiet strength and partnership were foundational to both her family life and professional pursuits. Their marriage was marked by shared dreams, mutual support, and the creation of a home filled with love, laughter, and the joyful chaos of grandchildren underfoot.
As a mother, Sue provided her children not only with guidance and opportunity but also with the tools to lead with integrity and generosity. She modeled resilience, empathy, and purpose. And as a grandmother, she became a joyful guardian of tradition—passing along stories, songs, and rituals that formed the bedrock of family gatherings.
Among friends and peers, Sue was admired for her depth of wisdom, her unwavering humility, and the warmth she brought into every room. She had an extraordinary gift for making others feel seen and valued. Whether she was welcoming a new student into her dance school, offering words of encouragement backstage before a performance, or sharing tea with a fellow artist, she brought a rare combination of calm strength and sincere interest that made every encounter feel meaningful.
Her impact was equally profound in the broader Ottawa arts and cultural community. Sue was a tireless advocate for Irish cultural preservation, frequently collaborating with local organizations, schools, and festivals to promote awareness and appreciation of traditional Irish music and dance. She believed strongly in the power of arts education to unite communities and broaden young people’s worldviews. Her contributions helped shape Ottawa’s multicultural identity, creating lasting bridges between communities through shared artistic expression.
In recognition of her efforts, Sue was honored with numerous community and cultural awards throughout her life, including recognition from the Irish Canadian Cultural Society and commendations from local civic groups. But those who knew her best understand that her true reward came from the daily joys of teaching, mentoring, and sharing stories. She never sought the spotlight—she simply wanted to give her best to the people and traditions she cherished.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of reflection and gratitude from every corner of the city and far beyond. Former students, some now adults with children of their own, have shared touching messages and photographs, recalling moments in the studio, at competitions, and in community performances where Sue’s presence provided encouragement, direction, and steady support. Fellow dance instructors and cultural leaders across Canada and Ireland have praised her legacy as a guardian of tradition and a visionary leader who helped breathe new life into Irish dance in North America.
One longtime student, now a teacher herself, recalled: “Sue didn’t just teach us how to dance. She taught us how to listen—to our heritage, to each other, and to ourselves. Every time I put on my shoes, I hear her voice reminding me that dance is a gift, not a performance.”
Plans are currently underway for a large public celebration of Sue’s life and work. The Ottawa Irish Arts Council has announced that it will host a commemorative event later this month, featuring performances from students and alumni of SFH Irish Dance, as well as speeches, music, and a retrospective display of Sue’s contributions to the cultural life of the region. The event is expected to draw attendees from across Canada and as far as Ireland and the United States.
In addition, a Sue Fay Healy Legacy Fund is being established to provide scholarships for aspiring young dancers who demonstrate not only exceptional skill but also a commitment to community and cultural engagement—qualities that defined Sue’s vision as an educator.
Her family, while navigating the tender moments of mourning, has expressed deep appreciation for the messages of love and support they have received. In a brief statement, they shared: “Sue was the light of our family and a light to so many others. She taught us all how to move through life with grace and generosity. While we grieve her absence, we are uplifted by the knowledge that her spirit lives on in every dancer, every song, and every story she helped preserve.”
In private, those closest to her remember the everyday joys that defined her character: early morning garden walks where she’d hum old Irish tunes, afternoons spent sewing costumes for upcoming recitals, evenings filled with music and storytelling around the dinner table. She had a talent for finding beauty in the ordinary and meaning in each small act of love.
Though her physical presence has now passed, Sue’s influence endures. Her voice, her lessons, and her love echo in rehearsal halls, on community stages, in cultural classrooms, and around kitchen tables. The rhythms she nurtured will continue to resonate—through jigs danced by eager young feet, through the laughter of students who once feared the spotlight but now embrace it with pride, and through every future generation inspired by the path she carved.
The Ottawa community grieves today not because something has ended, but because something so profoundly beautiful has transitioned into memory. And in that memory, Sue Fay Healy remains a constant—a steady guide, a cultural pillar, and a cherished soul whose life’s dance continues in all who knew her.
May her rhythm carry on, her teachings shine brightly, and her legacy remain forever rooted in the hearts of those she lifted through movement, music, and love.
