OBITUARY: Accomplished Flutist Susan Morris McQuinn of Rockledge Passed Away June 3 at Age 69

served as Music Director at New Life Christian Fellowship in Titusville

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Susan Morris McQuinn, age 69, passed away on June 3, 2023, in one of her favorite places on Earth – her parent’s cabin on Lake June-in-Winter, Lake Placid, Florida.

Susan was born on August 2, 1953, in Rockledge, Florida to her mother, Edna Morris, and her father, Harold Morris. The middle of five children, Susan grew up surrounded by music; even singing with her siblings as children in a group they called “The Morris Five.”

Susan excelled as a flutist from an early age and went on to get her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in flute performance from the University of NC at Greensboro.

She also completed 11 years of postgraduate study with Geoffrey Gilbert of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, whom she spoke of often. He was an enormous influence on her both as a musician and teacher.

Susan performed with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, the Bach Festival Orchestra, and the Space Coast Symphony. She also toured Central America and Europe with Wye’s Guys and Tour de Flute.

She served as Music Director at New Life Christian Fellowship in Titusville, Florida where she attended for over 30 years. She was a true believer, who loved the Lord with all her heart and shared her love of Christ through the many ministries she worked in – especially the adult and children’s music ministries. Through all of life’s trials, Susan always found her strength and peace grounded in the Lord.

Susan was the flute professor at Eastern Florida State College, formerly professor of flute at Stetson University, the University of Central Florida, and Daytona Beach State College. She also taught private flute lessons out of her home. Susan loved to teach and would radiate joy and pride each time she spoke of her students.

Susan married her high school sweetheart, James McQuinn, in 1974 and they had four children together. They were married for 24 years. Susan’s greatest joy in life was her family. Nothing made her happier than a loud, crazy, laughter-filled, family gathering with all her kids and grandkids around her.

She truly showed the unconditional love of Christ through the way she loved her family and friends. Susan was a thoughtful friend, a courteous neighbor, a patient teacher, a loving sister, a doting grandmother, a prayer warrior, and a fierce mama bear. She was many things to many people but above all she was loved and will be dearly missed.

Susan is survived by her four siblings – Linda, Nancy, Tom, and Jim; her four children, Michael, Ryan, Kelly, and Kaitlyn; her five grandchildren – Ariana, Avery, Boothe, Leo, and Skylar; and her first great grandbaby, Theo, who was undoubtedly sent to us with kisses straight from heaven.

The embodiment of joy and love, Susan’s impact on her family, friends, and the community in which she served, will be forever engrained in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. As such, a Celebration of Susan’s Life will be held on July 29 at 2:00pm at Lighthouse Christian Church located at 1250 N Banana River Drive, Merritt Island, Florida 32952. All who loved her are welcome.

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