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Susan Merz Obituary
1952 ~ 2011
Susan Jane Merz, age 59, passed unexpectedly Thursday, December 15, 2011. Born July 3rd, 1952, in Waverly New York to the late Donald B. and Jane Frederick, Susan graduated from Waverly High School in 1970, after which she completed a bachelor's degree in education and music from New York State University at Oswego in 1975.
After moving to Kanab, Utah in 1976, Susan began a long and rewarding career throughout Utah as a kindergarten teacher and children's choir director. As an educator, she had a genuine and unwavering belief that every child deserved acknowledgement and praise.
In 1982, she married Patrick Merz of Salt lake City and in February 2012, they would have celebrated 30 years of marriage.
Susan was a loving, kind, free spirit. As an accomplished pianist, clarinetist, singer, and composer, Susan rejoiced in the opportunity to share her love of music with family and community. Using her one of a kind sense of humor, she loved to make those around her laugh, as she believed it was the best kind of medicine.
In more recent years her primary focus was that of her family, which included her four daughters and three grandsons. A deeply caring and spiritual person, Susan had a unique ability to relate to others and make them feel special. The kindness and compassion that she felt for all living things was echoed daily in all that she did, showing her belief that there was a place for everyone.
Her unconditional love, radiant smile and laughter will forever be missed.
In addition to her husband, Susan is survived by daughters Emily (grandsons Nathan and James Brown), Chelsea (grandson Tenzin Jordhan), and Natalie Merz of Salt Lake City, as well as daughter Mallory Merz of Charleston, S.C. Also surviving are sisters Mary (Ken) Finlayson of Waverly, NY; Linda (Mike) Debach of Troy, PA; brothers Donald Frederick, Jr. of Waverly, N.Y. and David (Wendy) of Charleston, S.C. Not to be forgotten are several dearly loved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of Susan's Life will be held January 14 at 12:00pm at the First Baptist Church of SLC, 777 S. 1300 E. In memory of Susan, donations can be made to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary at 5001 Angel Canyon Road Kanab, Utah 84741.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Merz
Cynthia Corbett
December 19, 2019
Susan will always be in our memories. A loving giving talented person. Who loved deeply. Always in my heart dear cousin. Love Cindy
Virginia "Harding" Reid
April 13, 2012
To my 1st grade teacher and friend. Who i got reaquaitted with at a place where we both needed to be in 2005.
Virginia "Harding" Reid
April 13, 2012
To my 1st grade teacher and friend. Who i got reaquaitted with in 2005.
Linda Middleton
January 16, 2012
Patrick and girls, I'm so sorry to hear of Susan Jane's passing. I'd lost touch with her but she has always held a fond place in my heart. She was such a caring, loving and giving person. She and I kept one another sane through our crazy times teaching preschool at Children's House. I will never forget living through her pregnancy with Emily and how excited she was turning the large walk in closet in the apartment into the "nursery". A new baby, the two labradors and she and Patrick in that little upstairs apartment. Her laugh was infectious. I would stop and get us sandwiches from Grinders 13 on State St. and go to visit with her when she was doing daycare at the house on Lake St. when the girls were little. We'd remember our teaching days then laugh and laugh. Her love of children I know has touched many lives, including mine. She will be greatly missed.
Linda (Lynn) Bill-Fancher
January 13, 2012
To Susan's Daughters and their Father
Susan was my childhood friend and a close friend to me on FB ..We shared so many memories ...I wanted you girls to know she never stopped talking about all of you and her grandchildren ...She so loved you .What a wonderful person she was and I miss her so much ......
January 11, 2012
Patrick and girls,
I am so sorry to hear of Susan's passing. She was such an important person in our lives. She and I shared the love of teaching children and often spoke about how music was so vital to their education- she was passionate about that. While volunteering in her classroom we had many spiritually up-lifting discussions-she had a kind soul. It was awesome the day we discovered that we both attended SUNY at Oswego in New York back in the 70's.
A child's kindergarten teacher is never forgotten especially by their parent- Susan, thanks for the memories.
Kathy Travers(Aspen and Levi, too)
letia dulin
January 10, 2012
Sue I will always love you and you will always have a place in my heart. Heaven has truely gained such a beautiful angel.. thanks for all you did for my family and I continuing to install trust with me knowing I did have a place in this world teaching me its ok to be yourself after all there is only one of you. I see you everyday in your beautiful daughters everything you taught them I see. You will forever be missed by me.
Kathy Oakley
January 3, 2012
Susan was my son and daughter's kindergarten teacher and was a wonderful teacher and remained a friend of our family throughout all these years. My heartfelt sympathy to her family.
Christopher Brown
December 31, 2011
I will never forget the way Grandma Susan loved and played with my children. She always had time to watch them and would never consider turning down the opportunity. Susan was at her happiest when in the company of children and I feel blessed that my kids came in time to know and love her as much as they do. I'm so greatful to have known you and words will never do justice for the warmth and welcome into your family you have shown me. One of Susan's strengths that Emily and I always appreciated was her ability to to make you smile. Thank you for everything, my family and I will never forget the individual details that made you so special.
Cindy Corbett
December 31, 2011
I love my cousin Susan and feel everything said here is the best description of her wonderful loving spirit. You will be missed so
very much but your memory will give all of us the strength and
love you shared with us the short time we had with you. Love
and prayers go out to all of the family. Love cousin Cindy
December 30, 2011
I played the piano for Susan to lead the Emerson School Choir, and I valued her musical talents. It was a joy to work with her and share a friendship. Love and peace to the Merz family. Margo Harpster
December 28, 2011
Susan was my daughter and son's kindergarten teacher. She made learning fun and exciting. I loved volunteering in her classroom and watching her interact with her students. They loved singing in her Emerson Chorus especially at Christmas time! Amazing person, I am glad she touched our lives. Sincere sympathy to her family. She is loved. Karen Schaaf
Tina Howe
December 28, 2011
I met Susan in kindergarten. We were friends through junior high school and reconnected just a few years ago. In our junior high days, we were convinced that she was going to marry Paul McCartney and I George Harrison! You can only imagine the trouble we used to get into. Susan's zest for life and enthusiasm was infectious. She is greatly missed.
December 28, 2011
Ms. Merz was my daughter's teacher.. my daughter is now 21 and still remembers her and loves her. She was a wonderful and radiant woman and will be missed!
Diana Claudio
December 28, 2011
Susan was my son's first teacher. She was great with him and loved her very much. She was always there for him and our family is grateful for all what she did for him. She was a great friend and will be miss her dearly. I am so sorry we couldn't get together and talk. May the Lord bless you and your family.
Marcia Srogus
December 27, 2011
I worked with Susan at Emerson Elementary and enjoyed her sense of humor and hearing her sing. Peace and love to the Merz family.
Jeanine Davis
December 27, 2011
My deepest sympathies to Patrick, Emily, Mallory, Natalie and Chelsea. I adored Susan. I have a boat load of great memories. I'll never forget Susan's enthusiastic laugh and the way she loved her friends and family with such passion. Peace and love, Jeanine Davis
Stu Pratt
December 25, 2011
I was in Mrs. Merz's kindergarten class of '91, and I remember her being really nice and a lot of fun. In high school I became friends with her beautiful daughters Chelsea and Natalie, so I was able to see my kindergarten teacher again. She was still the kind, spirited lady that helped me get started through elementary school. I'm grateful to have known her. I send my love and good energy to your family.
Miguel Peterson
December 25, 2011
Thinking of the Merz family today, Sending love & kindness to you. Hoping you find solace in way of time spent together sharing memory & love of your beautiful Susan. Her obituary is kind, reflectively lovingly & thoughtful. Know that my heart aches for your loss. Susan sounds like such an amazing woman. My only hint at her magic strand is a long friendship with her wonderful daughter Natalie, who has been such a powerful figure in my life & who I honor as a life long friend. I have no doubt that Susan was an incredible source of inspiration or was known as a positive anomaly to those who new her, as her children seem to reflect that same magic. Bless her heart, Bless her journey. I love you so much Nat.
emily merz
December 25, 2011
Mom, thankful does not come close to how I feel for all that you did to help give my boys a wonderful christmas. I know that you were right there with us while your grandson Nathan nearly shattered glass with his squeels of joy when he saw the play castle that you picked out for him! Wishing you were here, Missing you so much. Still, happy you are peaceful. All my love, Emmie.
Meredith Baker
December 25, 2011
I love all of you guys and wish you all comfort in this hard time. Susan was a great unique woman and will be missed.
Heidi Bettolo
December 25, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. We love Susan. My 16 year old had her when he was in kindergarten & we really loved how she cared so much for the children. May God bless your family at this time.
The Bettolo's
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