Susan CARTER Obituary

Kia ora Neale & family. I am deeply saddened to learn of Susan's passing. She was my inspiration and beloved friend and mentor. I loved working on writing projects and presenting at conferences together and I will miss her generous hospitality, quirky sense of humour, and enthusiasm for life and learning. Arohanui, Deb Laurs (formerly Victoria University)

Dear Neale.
I´ve only just heard of your loss of Susan.
We three only crossed paths in the years I was your Parnell neighbour. I was always welcomed into your glorious home filled with art and laughter and beautiful cooking aromas and the seagull mystery guest. Nga Mihi nui Neale. Jacqui Stevens

We had the privilege of working alongside Susan in a meaningful programme to support practitioners from the Global South in publishing their work. She was undergoing treatment at that time but remained committed to the programme. I remembered she said that the programme meant a lot to her and she really wanted to see it through. The team will always remember the strength, care and generosity she showed throughout the programme, providing participants from different parts of the world with her time and support despite her personal challenges. Thank you for the opportunity for us to work and learn alongside you, Susan!

We miss your loving and caring spirit. Arohanui and much love, Pook and Tangi

Sincere condolences, Neale and family. I am forever grateful for her mentorship, bravely navigating opposition to get me through my PhD journey.

Susan is a very dear friend and former work colleague who I admired in so many ways. I am extremely glad that, even though she came across as a bit nutty when she interviewed for the position at the SLC, we decided to take her on - because she really did a wonderful job of developing the doctoral program and made it a real success! She was like that: she reliably and impressively got done whatever she set out to do. She lived a full life and never shied away from challenges. When she visited Japan in 2018, she even climbed up all the way to the top and over the other side of Fushimi-inari!
Over the years, Susan and Neale regularly hosted the SLC get-togethers at their amazing house in Parnell. They were always enjoyable occasions with close and trusted friends, full of reminiscences and laughter about all sort of things that have happened.
Susan, we already miss you and we will always remember and talk fondly of you in the years to come ...

I keep thinking of you during this difficult time. Yesterday, I visited the former CLeaR building, and as I sat there, your beautiful, smiling face gradually appeared in my mind.
Ten years ago, I arrived in New Zealand from China, carrying the weight of loneliness in a foreign land. Then, I met you in this building. Your warm, beaming smile and reassuring eyes made all the difference. After our meeting, you guided me along a quiet, winding path to the School of Graduate Studies, introduced me to the staff, and helped me register for my PhD. I remember years ago when my mother helped me register for my bachelor´s degree in China-this moment felt just as significant.
I still vividly recall when you took me to record a lecture on academic writing. It was my first time being recorded as an academic. Nervous and uncertain, I knew I hadn´t performed well. But then you said, "You are wonderful, darling. You did a great job!"
I also remember the Christmas when you invited us, the overseas PhD students and our families, into your home. You and Neal prepared an abundance of delicious food, adorned the house with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, and thoughtfully arranged presents for everyone. Your generosity and warmth made us feel truly welcomed. We were deeply moved by the kindness and love you both shared.
I will never forget my graduation ceremony. You stood on the stage, watching my special moment unfold. With warmth and pride, you said, "Brilliant, darling. I am proud of you." That moment, your presence, will stay with me forever.
Once a supervisor, always a supervisor. Your kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support shaped a meaningful chapter of my life.

It´s hard to put into words just how much a writing mentor can shape your thinking, your confidence, and your path forward. Susan was that person for me. She believed in me, challenged me, and supported me in ways I hadn´t even realised I needed.

Susan didn´t just teach me how to write - she nurtured me as a scholar and a person. Her feedback was always thoughtful and kind, her questions encouraged me to dig deeper, and her encouragement kept me going when things felt overwhelming.

Her passing leaves a huge hole, but her legacy lives on in all the writers and academics whose journeys she touched - myself included. I´m so grateful for her guidance, her generosity, and the lasting impact she´s had on my life.

I just wanted to say how much I will miss Susan as a dear colleague at the University. I worked with Susan on the Postgraduate Committee, and she was a fierce advocate for the doctoral and postgraduate students and any initiative that would support them. She generously gave her time and expertise to run writing groups, including during the Pandemic, when she developed an online writing community for the students who were having to commence their studies remotely. I miss her already, and I know she will be dearly missed by our other colleagues and students.
Nga mihi mahana, Molly

I was deeply saddened to hear of Associate Professor Susan´s passing. She once offered me thoughtful and constructive feedback on a journal article I was working on-her generosity, insight, and dedication left a lasting impression. Her kindness and scholarly legacy will not be forgotten. May she rest in peace.

I was fortunate enough to have Susan as my doctoral supervisor and my dear friend, and her guidance and support were instrumental in shaping my academic journey and my life. Her dedication, wisdom, and kindness left an indelible mark on me, and I know she has touched the lives of many others in the same way. Susan, you are amongst the great things in my life that keep me buoyant!