Reflecting on My Friend Susan Igou By Dougal Monro

I always had great respect for Susan Igou and enjoyed her company at CTDA conventions over many years.  She was tenacious in all that she took on, a fighter with a gentle and giving personality, accompanied by her endearing smile.  She had a wonderful ability to make people feel good.  Nothing was ever given to Susan; she earned it all, set herself on a path and worked hard to realize her dreams and achieve her goals with her high end European sewing machine business, the sewing classes with those machines, as well of course as her design and tailoring talents, pared with her business acumen.

She did so much for the CTDA with the annual fashion show for many years, getting involved from the very start, she quickly won the hearts of the older well established and traditional custom tailors, as well as the younger up and comers, participating and getting other members to step up and participate.

Susan was greatly liked by all.  I recall that she went to the World Congress of Tailors on at least one occasion and again was a great participant. Susan personified what the CTDA was all about, honest good fellowship within the CTDA first and foremost, always working to promote the best intentions, efforts and high standards of the CTDA.

I remember her daughter Vanessa who came to several conventions and was proudly introduced by her mother to other members, and of course Vanessa in turn must have taken pride and pleasure in seeing her mother do so well, proving so adequately that a capable woman is the equal of her male peers in the tailoring trade as well as anywhere else.

I know I am joined by so many in extending our deepest condolences to Vanessa as we say goodbye to Susan.  We can all be grateful for having had the privilege of knowing Susan Igou and we can take a life lesson from her; in the face of adversity and sometimes discomfort and pain, get up every morning with a plan to be as healthy as possible, have good attitude, consistently do the very best you can and joyfully help others. Rest In Peace Susan Igou as you go to join so many other respected and loved CTDA members who have gone before us.  So young to go and so sad indeed.

Dougal R Munro | President
Holland & Sherry Inc.