Susan Lea Manning

Susan Lea Manning passed away on April 03rd, 2026 at her home in Mermaid PEI surrounded by the sounds of songbirds, art, the family and people who cared for and loved her, and the water views of the Hillsborough River.  She lived bravely and with great dignity following a cancer diagnosis in 2018 with the support of her palliative care team, doctors and staff, EMS, MAID, friends, and her beloved husband.

Susan Lea loved to travel extensively, always curious and captivated by the flavours, cultures, and natural beauty she experienced in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, but nothing ever compared to her Island home. She often expressed her near spiritual connection to Prince Edward Island, citing Lucy Maude Montgomery:

Oh, my Island is matchless—matchless….I belong here. It is mine—I am its own. It is in my blood. There is a part of me that only lives here...This only is real—this colourful little land of ruby and emerald and sapphire.”

Whether playing on the island beaches in the regular meet ups with cousins, or on her bike exploring island trails, or quietly sitting on her deck overlooking her gardens and ocean she revelled in the splendour around her.

Susan Lea brought life and beauty to everything she did. A talented artist, in her retirement she was able to focus on her textile art for which she was highly regarded and her works were sought after by collectors from across Canada. She was proud of being a rug hooker and valued the community that came with it.

Susan Lea’s life as an educator deeply influenced who she was. She was a devoted resource teacher who was passionate about her work in early childhood learning. She guided children in schools across the Island, supporting them in their learning journeys and celebrating their successes.

More than anything Susan Lea loved her family. It was a joy to share her home with the people she loved. Her home was always warm and welcoming,  filled with amazing food, engaging discussion and hearty debate, and wine - lots of wine. Her gifts as a storyteller and her keen sense of humor were enjoyed by all who knew her.

Her presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Susan was born on July 25, 1959 in Charlottetown, PEI, the daughter of Ralph and Maylea Manning. She is survived by her husband of 39 years Allison MacKinnon, her daughter Grace Robin, her brother Alan Manning and his wife Suzanne, her sisters-in-law Tara Shoemaker, Diane MacKinnon (Robert Gallant) and Darlene Mackinnon (Jamie Pringle) and brothers-in-law Robert MacKinnon (Theresa Comier) and James MacKinnon (Marlene MacAusland) as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Susan was predeceased by her twin brother Edward and brother Ralph, her parents Ralph and Maylea Manning her parents-in-law Keith and Hattie MacKinnon and brother-in-law Ivan Sproule.

Service Information

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. All who knew and loved Susan are welcome to attend.

In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan Lea’s memory may be made to PEI Citizen Advocacy or the PEI Crafts Council. The family is grateful for the kindness, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time.

Memories and messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.belvederefh.com.