The fighter that Susie was, means that she faced the challenge of her illness with the ferocity of a warrior. But it was too Big for her.
After a short and perplexing illness, Sue died this morning, at 5 am Bulgarian time on the 29th February.
Sue lived her life to the full. Her adventures are legend. She insisted on celebrating this Christmas in her inimitable style – with Moet!
I was blessed to be able to be with her.
Posted by her sister, Jillian.
PHOTO: Sue Mercer, 14th February 2012 (taken at the blood-testing clinic by her sister Marie).
I’m so sorry for your loss Jillian. I always thought Sue was a special and exceptional person and I liked her very much. The world is a less bright place without her.
I hadn’t seen her since she left Scotland but we corresponded quite often via email. I’ll miss her irascible / bemused emails about why the hell the blog wasn’t doing what she wanted it to.
My thoughts are with you and the rest of her family and friends.
I can’t believe she has gone. I only knew Sue through her blogg but we did correspond via email now and again. Such a sad loss. My love and thoughts are with you Jillian and also her other family and friends. Rest in peace Sue, you will be sadly missed. xxxxx
So Sorry !So very sad x
I am so sorry for your loss Jillian, family and friends.
Darren and I met Sue many times when we first came here and were very lucky to be fully entertained by such a lively lady, she was a fantastic cook too!
R.I.P. Sue
Regards Nikki 😦
My sincere condolences to all Sue’s family and friends.
Sue was a wonderful woman and a great host. I will miss here on my visits to Bulgaria.
Rest in peace dear Sue
xxxx
So, so sad….. Rest In Peace Sue.
Rest in Peace Sue xx
So, so very sad to hear this news.
I hope you can take comfort in the fact that Sue loved Bulgaria, and was a true ‘pioneer’ in the field of ex-pats in Bulgaria.
Her blog and all her experiences, have, I am sure, inspired many people to lose their fears and embrace living in Bulgaria.
I am sending lots of love to her family in Australia, and also to her ‘adopted family & friends’ in Bulgaria. I know they will be devasted also. I hope that Gina, gets lots of love and becomes part of another loving family.
Thinking of you all, and also of Sue.
God bless,
Kay
‘An Aussie in Bulgaria’ email in my inbox always took me away from the day to day grind and inspiried me to one day chase and fullfil my dreams just like Sue. Renovating her house, enjoying the bounty of her garden, reflecting on the simple things in life and taking in all that Bulgaria had to offer. I only knew here through her blog, but what a great spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Rest in peace Sue
Devastated by your leaving us Sue. You made me laugh out loud now you are making me cry. Very pleased to have known you & enjoyed the pleasure of your company. You will be missed by so many. RIP Sue xx
May not have been the longes life but what a powerful life dear Suzzie lived. Jill, it will be a treasure for you to remember that you where there with her and helped her on her journey. All my thoughts are with the Mercer family and her friends. RIP Sue.
P.s. Such a cheeky little bugger!!!!!
The world has lost a very bright light.
Jillian that Christmas decoration behind you did make me laugh … when Sue was working here in Geraldton she insisted on turning the office into a “sparkling Christmas wonderland.” She purchased hundreds of decorations, dug out a step ladder and hung them with great enthusiasm off every nook and cranny she could find. The result was one of the most impressive offices in the town, guests had to duck and weave around the tinsel. Every Christmas since we have laughed at the memory and wondered what she’d think of our poor attempt at decorations.
She loved Christmas and she loved life. For us she was a brilliant manager and a fabulously fun friend and we loved her dearly.
I’ve spent the day reading through the blog archives. A real goldmine of inspiring material; I hope to take Sue’s adventurousness, independence and zest into my own future. What an amazing experience to read the journals of an experienced solo-female traveller.
My most sincere condolences to family, friends and readers of this blog,
Effie
A great and lively Lady who will be missed by many in Geraldton, Western Australia. RIP
Shane Hill
Our dearest Sueby.
You fought a hard battle…and so many thoughout your life…but through it all you were always able to smile…that cheeky grin and a laugh that for me became legendary…
When we met in Edinburgh at our workplace……….. you were my shining light…you kept me grounded.
You taught me not to take life too seriously and live life to the full….you are a shining example of someone with a huge heart you gave so much love to people all around you.
You made a ruin into a castle….the Southern Cross….my only regret is that i never made it there to see your project complete….
Sue, you will be missed but the memories we shared will remain with me all of my life with great admiration.
Our love and thoughts go to Jullian and the greater Mercer family…and to Sue’s life long friend Deb Westerberg.
Sue….a bloody legend…
I am so shocked at the news. Sue was the most amazing person I have met in my life. Her love of life was an inspiration to everyone who came into contact with her. She helped me become confident in who I am, and gave me the strength to stand up for myself.
She always threw the best parties, and was the life and soul of them. I loved out chats, and always with a great glass of red. Glass? I mean bottle.
I loved you so much and will cherish our time together and friendship everyday.
Treasured memories of a wonderful, spirited, caring, fun and unique woman. She had such an amazing zest for life and all it had to offer.
I will never forget the kindness and caring way Sue took me ‘under her wing’ on my return to live in Albany in 1992. I came out of my shell, thanks to Sue and I loved to read her blog, like so many others have. I will miss you, Susie. God bless and may you be re-united with your beloved Mia now.
P.S. I just love that photo of Sue sitting on the chair – despite her illness, she looks wonderful, that beautiful smile and sparkly eyes still there. And oh how she loved wearing red! Always suited her so well. 🙂
So very sad…a very special, funny, joyful,creative and inspirational woman. Sue will be deeply missed. Fond memories 🙂 XXXXXXXXX
Absolutely shocked to hear this sad news. Have followed Sue’s Bulgarian journey since the beginning. Our association goes back to the 1950’s when we all lived in David St, Albany, and even caught up with Sue in Edinburgh in 03. Deepest sympathy to all her family, from myself, and daughters Donna Simpson and Vikki Thorn (USA) whose only association with Sue began in the early 90’s (when Donna crashed into Sue’s car)
Ha, ha, ha.!!!! Love it. bet she had something to say about that. Mercers have not been known for their silence. One thing that I have found so endearing about them all….
Extremely sad news, Sue was such an amazing, wonderful person who loved life and made everyone so welcome in her own life. She always put on a brilliant party and was such fun. I only wished she’d stayed with us a bit longer here in Edinburgh and on earth…she’ll be sadly missed and I will never forget her. Thank you Sue! xxxxxx
Just a postscript to Jillian’s entry above. The second photo was taken on the 14th February, 2012, while Susie and I were waiting for her blood test results. Susie showed her customary inimitable strength and sparkle, with a big smile, even when she was so obviously suffering. Sleep well and without any more pain little sister. xxxxxx
Marie, My heart felt sympathy to you. Arn’t you so lucky to have called her “sister”. Angela sends her love and will contact you soon.xxo
It is such a lovely photo, Marie. Thank you for sharing it with us. I imagine her at peace now, giving big cuddles to her beloved puppy, Mia. Bless you, Sue. xxxx
Sueby
For me you will always be remembered for your amazing ability to make people smile…laugh…Sue’s laugh was, to me, her signature.
We met at our workplace in Edinburgh. Sue was a shining light to the 9 to 5 drag….you taught me not to take life too seriously but live life to the full and celebrate it…with cheers and a good glass of wine – or two.
Your courage and determination was inspirational. You took a delapidated shell and created your castle the “Southern Cross”. The only regret is we never made it to Bulgaria to see your project complete.
Our thoughts are with Jillian, the extended Mercer family and Sue’s lifelong friend Deb Westerberg.
Sue, you are a true blue Aussie legend..
I was devastated to hear this yesterday. Susie lived with me for around six months before she headed back to Bulgaria for the last time. I fondly remember the late nights; too much to drink, too much too eat – fabulous food that Sue insisted on cooking for me – the rubbish we used to talk, and how I would often fall into bed while Sue stayed up holding court with whomever had dropped in. I was fortunate enough to spend about 10 days with Sue in her fabulous home in 2010 where the ritual was repeated. I’m so sad for Gina and Goosey and all Sue’s family. But unlike many of us, at least Sue lived her dream. I shall miss Sue dearly and will miss reading her entertaining blog.
Sue, We are going to miss you, Life with you was always a joy. We drink wine and ate together. You shared your family and friends, you shared your home and the view of Princess Royal Harbour. We can still hear your dulcet tones calling from the Earl “Ah look the kiddies are here” as another bottle of red was ordered.
Thank you Sue for so many wonderful memories and helping to shape the people we are
Our thoughts are with your family especially our Jack
With love
Tim and Sal
Sue, We are going to miss you, Life with you was always a joy. We drink wine and ate together. You shared your family and friends, you shared your home and the view of Princess Royal Harbour. We can still hear your dulcet tones calling from the Earl “Ah look the kiddies are here” as another bottle of red was ordered.
Thank you Sue for so many wonderful memories and helping to shape the people we are
Our thoughts are with your family especially our Jack
With love
Tim and Sal
To know Sue was to love Sue. I know you all know that! From our chance meeting in Scotland in 2003 sharing that awful job, to learning we were both from areas in WA a few hours apart, to the great chats over bottles of wine, laughing about our jobs in a pub over lunches, fantastic parties – the most amazing piano recital of her favourite tune ‘Your Song’, our hilarious ‘orphans’ Christmas with the longest silliest game of ‘celebrity heads’ (Phil & Si you’ll remember that!), to nights out at the Port O Leith, to us living with her before we bought our first home and following her amazing story in Bulgaria, Australia and back a few times! It’s all a magical journey, one that we’re glad to have had the chance to take a ride on. The world will not only be a less colourful place without Sue, the air will be less blue! Rest your soul Sue, in your lifetime you lived one of ten people, and that’s surely inspiration to us all. Your memory lives on xx
I was so terribly sad to hear today of Sue’s death. I didn’t know her personally but have followed her blog from the very early days and loved reading about her adventures and her life here. She was an amazing woman who lived her life to the full and loved living here in Bulgaria. My heartfelt sympathy to all her family and friends who will miss her so very much. Sleep well Sue, you will be sorely missed. xx
Last September 2011 we stopped over with Sue for a couple of nights whilst we were getting our own place in order. She was kind and an inspiration to all, quite a character!
Our sincere condolences to her family and friends both in Australia and Bulgaria. It will take a long long time for Miladinovtsi to recover but she will never be forgotten.
May she rest in peace.
Kevin, Liz, Betty and Kim
Susie. The world has been less bright for a whole day, and will be so for many more to come without your big heart, big voice, big life, big humour, big generosity, big dreams, big love. Smiling to the camera just two weeks ago when so ill? Big courage. You were larger than life and touched all of ours in so many different ways; I can’t believe you’re gone. I still have the long list of 60’s music we chose for our next school reunion, the one we were planning for the year we turn 60. But a school reunion without Sue Mercer? It doesn’t compute.
I will miss you Sue; thanks for all the memories. And to your family ~ deepest sympathy.
Condolences to all Sue’s family, I was devastated to hear the news as I am sure everyone is. Sue was one of those special people who was everyone’s friend, if you were fortunate enough to meet her.
She was the “thread” in the fabric of friendship that connected the past and the present. As a fellow 55er she was the driving force in organising the 1st ASHS reunion in 1992 and was front and centre for last years reunion at Quaranup. God bless you Sue, may your spirit continue to remain free. Farewell my dear friend, till we meet again.
I am so shocked to hear that Sue has passed away. When I stayed at her house in Bulgaria a few years ago, i had no idea she was poorly She had just recovered from a minor op on her throat and was about to go home to Australia for a period of time to build up funds to continue with the amazing renovation.
The weather meant we were housebound on some evenings and spent a lot of time chatting together and watching DVDs.
I know she returned to the house and hopefully finished it, but this is so shocking.
To have such a sister who lived life to the full must make you so proud and i hope the memories you have will bring comfort to you and the rest of your family. Certainly my memory of spending that holiday with Sue will remain with me and make me smile always.
Rest peacefully Sue.
Clare
Ross Stokes
I can’t believe Sue has been taken from us. A wonderful larger than life character who was dear to us all. I remember with fondness our crazy days in Albany in the early 80s, and more recently when her and Deb Westerburg came to stay with us in Shropshire, UK. Her Bulgaria adventure was typical of her love of life and pioneering spirit. Sadly we never got to see her B&B.
This blog was a treasure, and I am sure would make a great book. I think Sue had a real talent as a writer, and we did talk about her getting her adventures down on paper. Our thoughts are with her many friends and family in Albany. I will be raising a glass or two to her memory. I am sure I won’t be alone.
I had the priviledge of knowing and working with sue in edinburgh at Scottish water. I can say I had and have never met anyone like sue. An amazing inspirational woman! So sorry to hear this news. RIP Sue xxx
Couldn’t believe the news this morning. There are so many wonderful words to describe Sue. I met Sue through my brother Phil when he was living in Edinburgh. Would always look for the best in everyone. Always remember that she absolutely hated mullets. RIP Sue
Davey K
Deeply saddened to think that we’ll never again share a bubble or four. What a truly wonderful woman of great fortitude, humour and taste Suzie was; and what a legend she has left behind. Her laughter resonates in my ears and brings a smile to my face through the tears. Love you long time, dahlingk!
Adele
I was devastated to hear this. Susie lived with me for around six months before she headed back to Bulgaria for the last time. I fondly remember the late nights; too much to drink, too much too eat – fabulous food that Sue insisted on cooking for me – the rubbish we used to talk, and how I would often fall into bed while Sue stayed up holding court with whomever had dropped in. I was fortunate enough to spend about 10 days with Sue in her fabulous home in 2010 where the ritual was repeated. I’m so sad for Gina and Goosey and all Sue’s family. But unlike many of us, at least Sue lived her dream. I shall miss Sue dearly and will miss reading her entertaining blog.
I was devastated to hear this. Susie lived with me for around six months before she headed back to Bulgaria for the last time. I fondly remember the late nights; too much to drink, too much too eat – fabulous food that Sue insisted on cooking for me – the rubbish we used to talk, and how I would often fall into bed while Sue stayed up holding court with whomever had dropped in. I was fortunate enough to spend about 10 days with Sue in her fabulous home in 2010 where the ritual was repeated. I’m so sad for Gina and Goosey and all Sue’s family. But unlike many of us, at least Sue lived her dream. I shall miss Sue dearly and will miss reading her entertaining blog.
Posting this on behalf of Sue Chiera.
I was devastated to hear this. Susie lived with me for around six months before she headed back to Bulgaria for the last time. I fondly remember the late nights; too much to drink, too much too eat – fabulous food that Sue insisted on cooking for me – the rubbish we used to talk, and how I would often fall into bed while Sue stayed up holding court with whomever had dropped in. I was fortunate enough to spend about 10 days with Sue in her fabulous home in 2010 where the ritual was repeated. I’m so sad for Gina and Goosey and all Sue’s family. But unlike many of us, at least Sue lived her dream. I shall miss Sue dearly and will miss reading her entertaining blog.
R.I.P dear friend just heard and what a shock. We will remember the good old times having sundowners on the back deck of the beach shack in Geraldton. The fun and laughter of stories past.
Rest peacfully
Woody & June Albany
I too was devasted to wake up to the news that one of my favorite radio people and my most favorite lady has passed away. She had been with me via the radio every morning whilst she was doing the show at ABC Geraldton, maybe it was because we are both a similar age I could really relate to what she said. I often senced sadness in her voice as she shared her stories of Bulgaria, sadness at not still being there although she never said that. Now upon reading her blogs I can see that she really did want to go back and boy did she do what she had to to make that happen. If she had to become ill and pass I am glad she did it in the place she most loved. She has inspired me more than ever no to live my dream and not keep waiting for the right time as we all could depart at anytime without warning.
I am so glad her sisters got to spend time with her before she left. In this last few weeks was there family over there with her? I have to ask what will happen with Gina and Goosey now?
Condolences to her family and friends. Thanks to Sue in heaven now for being a part of my life, you will never be forgotten.
Sue
Hi Sue
Gina is coming to Australia. It will take a few months but all going well, she will become a ‘true blue Aussie’ Karakachan by September/October. Might need to shed some fur in summer!!
Goosey and his new lady are now with Hristina (I understood that’s the correct spelling), Susie’s wonderful neighbour. Hopefully he will keep his head next Xmas:)
The Mercer family lived next door to us fifty years ago .. Sue was the bright youngest .. a bit naughty .. one day she aimed her hose through my son’s bedroom .. my regret is that I saw so little of her when we parted company.
As one of her friends said “The world has lost a very bright light..”
My condolences to her brothers and sisters.
So very sad, Sue’s was the fun house that we all had a laugh in on Rowley Street. So many parties, so many great times, so many “you did what!”. The Social life of Albany was never the same after Sue left and I am sure she is currently sitting at St Peter’s gates giving him what for. Thoughts go out to all the family.
RIP Sue xxx
I was stunned and saddened to hear this news today. As long as I’ve known Sue she was always one of those larger than life characters. So glad to got back to Bulgaria. RIP Sue.
Sorry moderators … This is what I meant to say … minus typos …
I was stunned and saddened to hear this news today. As long as I’ve known Sue, she was always one of those larger than life characters and it’s hard to believe she is gone. So glad she got back to Bulgaria. RIP Sue.
Such a sad sad loss.
Like Jo I remember Sues efforts decorating at Christmas time in Geraldton, I have never felt so in the Christmas spirit as I did that year! Sue was a colorful, fascinating and wonderful woman who I enjoyed so much. I will always remember her youthful spirit and I am so sorry for your loss.
So sad; a very dear friend from school. Although we may not have had a lot of contact as the years went by, Sue was often in my thoughts. Once she touched your life you never forgot her spirit, sense of fun, how she made everyone welcome and included. Such a sad loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family
R.I.P. Sue, a very dear friend to me, she helped me a lot when my husband passed away last June, gone but definately never forgotten, Sue was the inspiration to many to follow thier dreams, just as we did. She lived life to the full and it was always an adventure!! What a fantastic lady and what a wonderful friend, i will miss you forever sweetheart, sleep well xxxx
Shirley
To all family and friends of Sue.
It was so great to have known Sue, And we are lucky to have been over a few weeks ago and been able to spend time with her in her home that she loved so much, The village wont be the same without her.
Will be dearly missed but never forgotten
Becky,Nick,Lewis
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your sister , sue was the most remarkable woman I have ever met , courageous ,adventurous, intelligent and funny, are the words that come to mind when i think of her . I am so shocked that i am writing this , she will be deeply missed by myself my husband, and by the people in miladinovtsi . God Bless you sue ,RIP . XXX
Our dearest Sueby.
You fought a hard battle…and so many thoughout your life…but through it all you were always able to smile…that cheeky grin and a laugh that for me became legendary…
When we met in Edinburgh at our workplace……….. you were my shining light…you kept me grounded.
You taught me not to take life too seriously and live life to the full….you are a shining example of someone with a huge heart you gave so much love to people all around you.
You took a ruin and created your castle….the ‘Southern Cross’….my only regret is that i never made it there to see your project complete….
Sue, you will be missed but the memories we shared will remain with me all of my life with great admiration.
Our love and thoughts go to Jillian and the extended Mercer family…and to Sue’s life long friend Deb Westerberg.
Sue, you are a true blue Aussie legend…
I’m still in shock!! Sue was the most inspiring woman I have ever met.. I will look back with fond memories of all the long chats and the wild parties in Edinburgh.
My heart goes out to all the Mercer family and all Sues many many friend.
Rest in peace Sue but if I know you you will be sipping some Moet as I write this..
Alastair
may your next adventure dear Sue, be as full of wonderful adventures as this one…love and blessings to family ….
Sadly so many years have passed since I last saw your smiling face. Fortunately I remember it so very clearly, and will always do so. Your house in Albany was always open to us all. So many great times were shared there with special friends. You were a wonderful friend to us all, and a loving sister to Marie, Jack and Jillian. My thoughts are with you all. We will all greatly miss you Sue. You were a truly inspirational lady to many. xx
Dearest Sue,
I remember your jovial, sparkling laugh on ABC Radio and also meeting you, once. May you Rest in Eternal Peace.
My Sincerest Sympathies to your Family, especially Marie, Ari, Kari and Jenny.
Sue, your Pets will certainly miss you.
God Bless,
Colleen Donovan (formerly “Schmidt”)
Thanks for your thoughts Colleen, I didn’t realise you were on Susie’s blog list. A blast from the past! 🙂
Very sad to hear about Sue’s passing. While I knew she was ill, nothing prepared me for this. I met Sue in Geraldton and we shared many good times, great food and wine together. She taught me how to pronounce Miladinovsti and after editing her book, felt I knew it. She was yearning to go back and I visited her in the summer of 2010 after she returned. She shared all of the treasures of her life there, her wonderful neighbours, her beautiful Karakachan dogs Gina and Mia, her garden. She did a fantastic job restoring her four-storey mansion, such a lot of hard work, but she tackled it all fearlessly, painting the rooms in strong, vibrant colours. Its a tribute to a very fine, larger than life lady. RIP Sue and condolences to all of her family. Anna
what a sad loss to a young lady with such passion and humour .We so much enjoyed the company in our stay at Chateau Southern Cross .Jillian we only knew Sue for such a short time but the memories will always remain. A rare special delightful lady .Our deepest condolences to those who are closest
Marg and Brian Nash
Marie,
Can you get in touch with us please.
Hi Nick, Becky and Lewis
Thanks for you message – my email is petice@iinet.net.au. I don’t know how to contact you otherwise.
Please say hullo to Colin and can you sent me his email also.
Cheers
RIP Sue, a wonderful person who touched so many and made them smile.
Rest in Peace Sue, a life well lived 🙂
Your trials & adventures of life in Bulgaria and turning the Big House into a beautiful home were a joy to read. Your adventurous spirit no doubt will be long remembered by the many friends in your adopted home town who welcomed you into their homes & hearts.
Hugs to you Jillian.
Posted for Carol Scafe, Australia
So sad, Sue made my early mornings in Geraldton fun. It was a joy to wake up each morning and hear her cheery voice on radio. I will never forget her. Love to all who loved her. Gill
I met Sue in 1987. We met one a dark night in Albany. I was driving home in my VW beetle after getting take out Chinese food,having had my drivers license for only a few days. INTO THE DARKNESS AND THEN CRASH!!!!
I crashed into Sue and her brother Jack’s car. I sat in my car in shock, crying and covered in hot chinese food.. then I saw her get out of her car and coming towards me.. SUE MERCER! WHAT THE BLOODY HELL WERE YOU THINKING!! she yelled at me! LOOK WhAT YOU”VE DONE!! OH shit.. DO you have insurance? She bellowed…. i i i i im not sure..I stammered…OH GREAT JUST BLOODY GREAT she said as she threw her hands into the air.. Later in years Sue and I would see each other in the streets and at The Pub where my sister and I would sing. Sue always loved our singing and we became great friends over the years..always laughing about the night we met.. She took in our whole band to stay with her whilst we were touring in Scotland, she interviewed us many times on ABC radio and introduced us to many amazing people. The last time I saw Sue was in Geraldton a few years on our tour. We went out for dinner and drinks before the show. I simply loved catching up with her at any chance i could get. we smoked together, drank together, laughed together. It was an absolute pleasure to know her. Happy trip to the Sun you crazy wild beautiful woman.. Donna Simpson and The Waifs.
Bye Sue – I remember all the good times you Jill and sometimes Jack and my brother Rex and myself had when we were kids going down to Middleton Beach to swim in the “soupy water”. I was so shocked to hear you are gone – may you rest in peace and love to Jill and families
From Anne Woollett (nee Middleton)
She always will be part of Bulgaria !
Thank you Dimitar and thank you for all the support and help you have provided to Susie over the years and also to Tony, Lisa and Jack during the last few weeks. You have been a treasure. 🙂
colin eaton
Sue , stil cant believe your not there, you looked so much better when i saw you in feb, spent a great summer with you in the village , and i,ll never forget how you helped me, go get your wings girl , you,ve earned them.
love Colin.xxxxx
Colin, thank you for the time you spent with Susie when I was there. She valued and enjoyed your company – you helped to ease some of the pain she was feeling, simply by being there and keeping her occupied. None of us can really accept what has happened – not yet. My email is petice@iinet.net.au – email me and I will send you the photo above, (& a couple of others) which I took in the clinic on the last Tuesday, before I left. 🙂
We have only just found out about Dear Sue. We stayed with Sue last October when we went to Bulgaria and even though we had just met she made us more than welcome and we felt we had known her for years. Such a warm and vibrant personality. Our condolences to her family and friends.