Susie Patricia Muxlow (van Esch)
August 8, 1960 - May 16, 2026
Tribute
Susie Patricia Muxlow (née Van Esch) passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Chilliwack, British Columbia, following a courageous battle against cancer. The youngest of seven children, Susie was born in Cambridge, Ontario, and moved to Chilliwack at the age of 8 years old. Susie is survived by her siblings Jane Kloos (Hans), Joanne Hanson (Lorne), Andy Van Esch (Darcy), Will Van Esch (Shirley), Ted Van Esch, and John Van Esch (Brenda). She leaves behind a large extended family of in-laws, nieces, and nephews and a wide network of friends who love her. More specifically, her spirit will live on through her devoted husband, Harvey Muxlow, and their three children: Sheila Muxlow (Paul), Julianne Verschuur (Andrew), and Calvin Muxlow (Yanika), and through her grandchildren: Jett, Chase, Lane, Silver Timothy-Rose, Melodie, Mykah, and Autumn.
Susie was known for her warm nature, incredible hospitality, and commitment to healthy living. She always had a delicious, home-cooked meal ready to welcome visitors, creating lasting memories for friends and family with her famous four-bean salad, bran muffins, pea soup, “cherry cha cha,” and broccoli casserole. She enjoyed hosting gatherings and parties that inspired laughter and fun – whether dressing up with mustaches, or like pirates, or in the spirit of the Rock & Roll greats – she always enjoyed bringing people together in joy and community.
Susie cherished the outdoors and the serene gifts of nature. She was often found walking along the Vedder Canal, exploring Island 22 on foot or on horseback, enjoying a book on her back patio, or tending to her garden. Her weed-free lawn and bountiful hydrangeas were the envy of all who got to see them!
Susie and Harvey shared a deep love for life, frequently embarking on long motorcycle cruises between their home in Chilliwack and their winter home in Arizona, and in recent years, enjoying boat cruises and even a trip to Australia. In quieter moments, Susie enjoyed sweeping out her barn or sitting alongside Harvey in their La-Z-Boys, watching a Mystery Movie, Western Series, and a good Comedy show. To those who knew her, Susie was a generous soul who offered non-judgmental support, a listening ear, and advice that was always a salve to the soul.
From a young age, Susie held a deep affection for animals, particularly horses, dogs, and cats. This passion was reflected in the legacy of pets that were part of her extended family throughout her life, always with memorable names like Chaps and Charlie. In their mid-30s, Susie and Harvey founded Black Walnut Kennels, “Where Pets are Friends,” which became renowned province-wide. Susie’s business ethics and kind heart earned warm greetings from both two-legged and four-legged friends alike.
Although an avid animal lover, Susie had an unwavering love for horses, and she generously shared her passion for riding with her children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. She also welcomed anyone in the wider community to hop on horseback, while she would describe the thoughtfulness involved in caring for these beautiful creatures. Susie will be remembered by many in the community for introducing them to a love of horses.
In honor of Susie, the family kindly requests donations to SPCA, honoring her lifelong dedication to animal welfare.
https://champions.spca.bc.ca/fundraiser/SusieMuxlowLegacy
*A wider service to celebrate Susie’s life will be held on July 20th from 12:30pm to 4pm at the Chilliwack Heritage Barns (44140 Luckakuck Way)
The family welcomes all friends and wider family who want to contribute to the Celebration of Life for Susie to please reach out directly, or email
celebrationsusiemuxlow@gmail.com with photos, videos, and/or stories.
Condolences
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Sheri Doerksen
Relation: We rode horses together
Suzie had a way of making you feel important. She never passed judgment and always had something kind and thoughtful to say.
I got to know Suzie better during our ladies’ riding time at the Johnsons’ barn through COVID. It was such a special time. A chance for us to be together while still far enough apart that it didn’t matter. It kept us sane through a difficult season . Suzie brought a lot of fun and warmth to those days, and I truly enjoyed getting to know her better as we shared stories about our kids and grandkids.
She loved riding, loved her dogs, and truly loved life.
The world has lost someone very special. My heart breaks for her family, and they are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
July 20, 2026
Beginning at 12:30pm
Location:
Chilliwack Heritage Barns
44140 Luckakuck Way
Chilliwack, BC Canada
The service is from 12:30 – 4 pm
The family welcomes all friends and wider family who want to contribute to the
Celebration of Life for Susie to please reach out directly, or email
celebrationsusiemuxlow@gmail.com with photos, videos, and/or stories.
44140 Luckakuck Way
Chilliwack, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone number of the delivery location for handy reference.
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Send Condolence - For Susie Muxlow
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