Celebrating a loved one’s 100th birthday is a rare milestone – but what gift could possibly fit such a special occasion? For the deSouza family, who marked matriarch Suzanne’s centennial on February 22, the answer is legacy.
Family and friends are honouring Suzanne with donations to the University of Toronto’s department of physical therapy – ensuring her legacy of kindness and compassion will continue to touch lives. The Suzanne Kelley-deSouza Physical Therapy Award will support a physical therapy trainee who has demonstrated exceptional clinical skills and patient care.
“She’s thrilled that her birthday is an opportunity to support somebody else,” says Suzanne’s son, Kelley deSouza. “We hope Suzanne’s happy and successful career in restoring function and helping others to live independently will motivate past, present and future physical therapists.”
Suzanne celebrated her 100th birthday on February 22, 2025.
Kelley explains that deciding to give back to U of T was an easy choice for the family, as both the deSouzas and Kelleys have long and proud ties to the University. All five of Suzanne’s children are U of T graduates, as well as Suzanne and her late husband Paul and, before them, both Suzanne’s and Paul’s fathers. (Paul’s Father graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, now Temerty Faculty of Medicine, 100 years ago in 1925. Suzanne’s daughter, Ellen Marie, graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy in 1979 and Suzanne’s granddaughter, Marisa, graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in 2020.)
Suzanne celebrated her 100th birthday on February 22, 2025.
Suzanne graduated from U of T’s Department of Physical Therapy in 1945 and quickly became involved in treating soldiers returning from World War II. She was one of six students (of her class of 60) chosen to join the Royal Canadian Air Force as a pilot officer nursing sister.
In the years immediately after the war, Suzanne continued to assist returning soldiers at Westminister Hospital in London, Ontario, then accepted a position in Edmonton, Alberta. While on the train to her new position in 1948, Suzanne received the devastating news that her father had passed away.
We hope Suzanne’s happy and successful career in restoring function and helping others to live independently will motivate past, present and future physical therapists.
Suzanne immediately returned home to Northern Ontario to support her mother and two sisters. She worked as a physical therapist in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan – commuting across the US-Canada border every day.
We hope Suzanne’s happy and successful career in restoring function and helping others to live independently will motivate past, present and future physical therapists.
In her clinical practice she helped respond to polio outbreaks and also supported children in the Michigan school system suffering from the effects of measles, mumps, rubella and other then-common childhood diseases.
Suzanne married her late husband Paul in 1954, with whom she had five children. Working part-time while caring for their growing family, Suzanne remained deeply committed to providing patients with compassionate care while maintaining high standards in her clinical practice. At the same time, Paul (an English teacher) instilled a love of education and a passion for teaching in his children.
Sarah Thompson is the recipient of the Suzanne Kelley-deSouza Physical Therapy Award.
Kelley explains that his parents’ deep-seated passions and dedication to their respective fields served as the primary inspiration behind the creation of the Suzanne Kelley-deSouza Physical Therapy Award. The award is specifically designed to recognize and support a student who demonstrates exceptional skills and commitment in clinical practice, reflecting the values and enthusiasm that Suzanne held dear throughout her career. By establishing this award, the deSouza family aims to honour Suzanne’s legacy and encourage future generations to strive for excellence in clinical practice.
Sarah Thompson is the recipient of the Suzanne Kelley-deSouza Physical Therapy Award.
The recipient of the award is Sarah Thompson, a second-year physical therapy student at Temerty Medicine.
“We hope this award shares the message that there are people who admire what students like Sarah are doing, and that they are part of a community that supports them,” Kelley says. “And hopefully, when the time is right for her, Sarah will be able to pay it forward and be that support for a new student.”