Susan “Sue Fay” Healy, fondly known as Sue Fay, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, at the age of 67, surrounded by her loving family in Ottawa, Canada. Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary life—one filled with passion, dedication, and a profound impact on the Irish dance community both locally and internationally.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Sue Fay spent her formative years immersed in the vibrant culture of Irish dance. From a young age, she demonstrated an exceptional talent for the art form and quickly became a fixture in the Irish dance scene. She was deeply committed to the preservation of traditional Irish dance, performing across Europe with the renowned Celtic Dance Company. Her passion for the craft took her to the highest levels of competition, where she competed at elite events such as the World Championships and the prestigious All-Ireland competitions. These early experiences shaped Sue Fay’s career and laid the foundation for her future contributions to Irish dance in Canada.
In 1989, Sue Fay made the decision to bring her wealth of knowledge and experience to Ottawa, Canada, where she founded the Sue Fay Healy School of Irish Dance. The school quickly became a hub for Irish dance in the city, providing a space where dancers of all ages and skill levels could explore the art form. Over the course of more than three decades, Sue Fay’s school became the premier studio for Irish dance in Ottawa, known not only for its technical excellence but also for its nurturing and supportive environment. Whether teaching young beginners or guiding more advanced students, Sue Fay instilled a sense of pride in her dancers, helping them to develop both their skills and their cultural heritage. Under her tutelage, many students went on to become champions, competing in national and international competitions, and some even became instructors themselves, carrying on Sue Fay’s legacy of excellence.
As a TCRG (Teagascóir Ceili Rince Gaelacha) certified instructor and an ADCRG (Ard Degree Ceili Rince Gaelacha) adjudicator, Sue Fay earned the highest professional credentials in Irish dance. These achievements reflected not only her deep knowledge of the dance form but also her commitment to maintaining the highest standards. Her role as a respected judge at major competitions, including the 2011 World Championships in Dublin, cemented her place as one of the foremost figures in the Irish dance community. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom and the competition stage, as she also played a vital role in organizing major Irish dance events. Sue Fay co-chaired the 2006 Eastern Canadian Oireachtas and chaired the 2007 North American Championships, events that showcased Ottawa’s prominence as a cultural hub for Irish dance.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sue Fay was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She was married to Fran for 45 years, and throughout her illness, Fran’s unwavering care and support were a testament to their enduring bond. Sue Fay was a devoted mother to Andrew, Francis, and Jennifer, and her love for her children was matched only by her affection for her grandchildren. Family was at the heart of everything Sue Fay did, and she made it a priority to pass on her love of Irish culture to the next generation. Her grandchildren, in particular, were the light of her life, and her family’s statement following her passing emphasized their pride in the strength and joy Sue Fay brought to their lives.
Sue Fay’s influence extended beyond her family and students to the broader community. Through her school and her involvement in Irish cultural events, she created a close-knit community that celebrated Irish heritage and tradition. She supported and contributed to events such as the Ottawa Rose Centre, local feiseanna (Irish dance competitions), and other Irish cultural celebrations that brought the community together. Those who knew her described her as a “luminous presence” whose warmth, wit, and authenticity left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Sue’s legacy lives on not just in the hundreds of dancers she mentored and inspired but also in the thriving Irish dance community that continues to flourish in Ottawa and beyond. Her passion for dance, her unwavering commitment to cultural pride, and her ability to bring people together have left an indelible mark on the community.
In the days following her passing, tributes poured in from former students, colleagues, and members of the broader Irish dance community. Many shared stories of the profound impact Sue Fay had on their lives, describing her not just as a teacher but as a friend, mentor, and role model. One of the most touching tributes came from a former student who remarked, “Sue’s memory lives on in the absolutely incredible community she built… We hope the craic is mighty up there!” This sentiment captures the spirit of Sue Fay’s life—her love of Irish culture, her infectious enthusiasm, and her ability to bring people together in celebration.
Plans are already underway for a heartwarming celebration of Sue Fay’s life—a fitting tribute to her vibrant spirit and her deep love of Irish culture. The celebration, which will likely be filled with music, dance, laughter, and Irish cheer, will be an opportunity for family, friends, students, and colleagues to come together to honor Sue Fay’s legacy. Further details of the celebration will be shared by the family in the coming weeks.
Sue Fay’s influence on Irish dance and her community will continue to resonate for years to come. The Sue Fay Healy School of Irish Dance will remain a cornerstone of Ottawa’s cultural scene, continuing to uphold the standards of excellence that Sue Fay established. The school will carry forward her passion for Irish heritage and her commitment to nurturing young talent, ensuring that her vision lives on for generations to come.
In her passing, Sue Fay leaves behind an enduring legacy that encompasses much more than her professional accomplishments. She will be remembered for her warmth, her generosity, her unwavering dedication to her craft, and the profound impact she had on the lives of everyone she touched. Sue Fay’s extraordinary life was marked by her ability to inspire others, her devotion to her family, and her deep pride in her Irish roots. As her family said in their statement, “We are beyond proud of the life she lived and the strength she showed every step of the way… Her light will live on in all of us—especially in her beloved grandchildren.”
Susan “Sue Fay” Healy was a beacon of Irish dance and cultural pride. Her extraordinary life, marked by professional achievement, family devotion, and community leadership, leaves an indelible mark on all who knew her. While her passing leaves a void, we can take comfort in knowing that Sue Fay’s spirit will continue to inspire and uplift those who carry forward her vision and her legacy. While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the joy, inspiration, and tradition she shared with so many, and we take solace in the knowledge that her light will live on through the generations she touched.
