Obituary: MERZ, SUSAN

Susan Jane Merz1952 ~ 2011Susan 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.