Susan Barbara Matison Sedlbauer

Susan Barbara Matison Sedlbauer, of Burlington, Ontario, Canada, passed away peacefully on October 5th following a courageous four-year battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Ronald; her son, Brendon (Kylie) Sedlbauer; her cherished grandchildren Zoe and Max; her sister Dr. Jane Matison (Dr. Bruce) Bauer; and brother, Allen Matison; as well as her nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Susan was born in Mendota, Illinois, on April 26, 1956, to M. Robert and Barbara (Sanders) Matison of Earlville, Illinois, who predeceased her. She was her school’s Homecoming Queen and graduated from Earlville High School in 1974 and attended Illinois Valley Community College, earning an Associate in Arts degree in 1976. She continued her education at Illinois State University.

While living in the Illinois Valley, Susan won the Miss Illinois Valley title in the Miss America Pageant, where she showcased her talent on the saxophone. She went on to become Miss Illinois World the following year. Her title took her to the top ten of the Miss World USA Pageant.

Susan married Ronald Sedlbauer at Wellington Square United Church in Burlington, Ontario, on July 25, 1981. After becoming a Canadian citizen, Susan embraced Burlington as her home and immersed herself in the community by joining The American Women’s Club.

As a Sedlbauer, Susan became involved with the annual Walter Sedlbauer Cougar Classic Golf Tournament, serving on the committee and helping the event raise over a million dollars for Muscular Dystrophy. During this time, she was also honored to be named to the Oakville Victorian Order of Nurses.

Susan had a particular passion for creating opportunities for young people. While her son attended J.T. Tuck Elementary School, she became an enthusiastic volunteer, serving on the Parent Council. She also served on the Burlington Crime Prevention Committee.

Her commitment to young people extended well beyond Burlington. She supported youth hockey and charitable organizations throughout the Muskoka area and became an important part of the annual Islander-Mainlander Charity Hockey Game. Susan and Ronald worked alongside the event’s founders to build the fundraising effort and provided meaningful support for youth hockey and other charitable organizations.

As a member of the Burlington Golf and Country Club, she and Ronald combined to win the Mixed Match Play Championship in 1996. Later, she served on the Junior Golf Parent Committee during Brendon’s junior golf years.

She served as vice president of “The Friends of McNichol” and as a member of the Shore Acres Community Association, where she worked to preserve the historic lakefront McNichol property. She enlisted the assistance of renowned Canadian artist Robert Bateman, bringing him and others into the effort to save the iconic Burlington landmark from commercial development. She continued her involvement as a member of the Paletta Lakefront Park Advisory Board, helping ensure that the park she had fought so hard to save would remain a source of enjoyment for generations to come.

Susan was a member of Wellington Square United Church in Burlington and remained a lifelong member of Earlville United Presbyterian Church. Her faith and her connection to her hometown remained important parts of her life.

The family wishes to express its deepest appreciation for the exceptional care Susan received from Dr. Paul Barnfield and his oncology team throughout the past four years. Special thanks are also extended to the palliative care doctors, nurses and hospital staff for their medical expertise and compassion at Joseph Brant Hospital. The family is also deeply grateful for the friendship, support and devoted care provided by Danielle Ross.

While Susan accomplished much throughout her life, her greatest pride was always her family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

There will be a celebration of Susan’s life at the Burlington Golf and Country Club on Sunday, November 15, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 24th, and officiated by Pastor Laurel Walker, with visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m., Earlville United Presbyterian Church, 620 S. Ottawa Street, Earlville, Illinois. Burial will follow at Earlville Precinct Cemetery, 1300 S. Ottawa Street, Earlville. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Turner-Eighner Funeral Homes, Somonauk, Illinois.

Memorials may be directed to the American or Canadian Cancer Society.

For more information or to sign the online guestbook go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com 

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home 

13160 W. Rt34 ~ P.O. Box 404

Somonauk, IL 60552 

815-498-2363