Courtney Susannah Colman

It is with profound sadness, we share the sudden and unexpected passing of Courtney Susannah Colman at the young age of 58.

 Devoted mother to Patrick and Sophie Gowen. Dear little sister to Dale Ann Brown (Jeff) and Robin (June) Colman. Cherished aunt to Mallory & Tyler Brown, Malcolm & Aidan Colman, Olivia, Charlie and Imogen Gowen. Dear niece of Lionel (Margaret), Anne, the late Gregory (Peggy) and Melanie Colman. Cousin to their many children, including Courtney's favourite, ‘Crazy’ Uncle Leonard.

Courtney was born in Toronto on July 29, 1966 to the late Ann Colman and Jeremy Colman (Liz). Courtney loved attending Havergal College. After graduating, she went to the University of Toronto, where she earned her Bachelor of Commerce. Excelling in everything she did, she played on the Varsity Squash Team and made friends at Victoria College and Gamma Phi Beta sorority, all while maintaining a high average. She was recruited by Ernst and Young, where she obtained her Chartered Accountant designation and made lifelong friends, who invited her to their cottages in Muskoka annually and various celebratory trips.

Travelling was always on her mind so she transferred with E and Y to their San Diego office. Another lifelong passion she shared with her mother was the love of arts and theatre. So once down in California, she secured an Executive position with the La Jolla Playhouse. That started a globetrotting career that led her to holding CFO and other very senior positions in the entertainment industry in the United States and England, with a brief stop back in Toronto. Many lifelong friends were also made during these travels. On one of her stops she met Simon Gowen and their two beautiful children Patrick and Sophie, soon followed.

Respected for her intelligence and wit, she was the life of the party, especially if red wine was being served! Courtney was always active, playing badminton and squash at the Granite Club, tennis in the Beaches, hiking in California, swimming in Lake Ontario or walking her two beloved dogs, Spirit and Luna.

 Her zest for life and adventure was inspiring. A world traveler, she crammed many years of living in a life cut shockingly too short.

 A celebration of life has been held. If desired, donations to either the World Wildlife Fund (WWF.ca) or the American Association of University Women (aauw.org) in her name would be appreciated.