TAYLOR, Susan Lois - Passed away at the QE11 Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 due to complications related to a boating accident which occurred earlier this summer. She was the youngest daughter of Conrad and Lois Taylor of Windsor, N.S., born on August 20, 1962 in Montreal. Susan attended high school in Windsor, obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Recreation) degree at Acadia University and a Bachelor of Education degree from St. Thomas University. She taught school in Hay River, NWT, Brampton, Ontario, Port Hawkesbury, N.S. and has been the band director at Amherst Regional High School since 1992. Susan received the “Excellence in Teaching Award” in 2006, recognizing her dedication, devotion and tireless hours which resulted in numerous gold standard awards. The praise and commendations that she received from adjudicators at various festivals were a credit to her leadership. She was considered a great ambassador, not only for the band program, but also for her high school and the town of Amherst. Susan has left a legacy of excellence that will continue to challenge and inspire the hundreds of lives she has touched. Susan’s family, friends and students came first in her life, followed by her love for boating, snowmobiling, traveling, Evangeline Beach, and of course, MUSIC. She was also a valued member of the Trinity St. Stephen’s United Church choir. Susan is survived by her parents, as well as sisters, Janet Gagnier (Lonnie), Nancy Delahunt (David); nieces, Jane Delahunt and Sarah Gagnier; nephews, Mark, David, John, Michael Gagnier and Kevin Delahunt, as well as several uncles, aunts and cousins. Susan enjoyed very special friendship and support from the Milner and Crossman families. Susan’s family is filled with sadness; however we will remember and celebrate Susan with the same spirit, determination, integrity, respect, and humour that Susan gave to each and every aspect of her life. Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to Lohnes - DeMont Funeral Service Ltd., 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317), where the family will receive visitors from 6-9 p.m. Friday, September 4. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 5, in Windsor United Church, 613 King St., Windsor, Rev. Bill Gibson officiating. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Susan may be made to the QE11 Foundation, Neuro Surgery Dept., 1276 South Park St., Room 1-040, Centennial Building, Halifax, NS B3H 2Y9 or the ARHS Band and Parent Association, c/o Amherst Regional High School, 190 Willow St., Amherst, NS B4H 3W5. The family is grateful to the extraordinary medical staff of the QE11, and we also greatly appreciate the hundreds of cards and messages received over the past weeks. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting the "Guest Book" at: www.familycare.ca
And a reminder from Susan, as she always said to her students before a performance:
“Relax, Relate and Release