Susan Burns, ARS Adminstrative Director, Passes Away
Susan Burns, the ARS Administrative Director since 2015, passed away on Monday, March 23. She was known not only for her efficiency, but also for her warm and helpful personality. She help navigate the ARS through several changes in Board membership, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the hiring of a new American Recorder magazine editor. In the article that follows, her close friend and musical companion Don Boekelheide details her memorial service. Susan was a strong presence in the ARS and we on the Board of Directors will miss her guidance, her voice, and her smile.
-Jody Miller (ARS Board President, Marietta, GA)
Over 100 family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of American Recorder Society Administrative Director Susan Burns at a memorial service on Saturday, March 28, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Susan died on March 23 following a long struggle with cancer. She was 59.
As part of the service, ARS President Jody Miller led an ensemble of recorders and viols. Jody selected pieces inspired by Susan’s wishes. They included “Paradizo,” a pavane by Anthony Holborne; and “Alma Susanna" by Cipriano de Rore. Jody was joined by musicians John Burns, Holly Maurer, Deb McRae, and Don Boekelheide.
An accomplished musician and recorder player, Susan joined the ARS staff in 2015. Jody has referred to Susan as a “superwoman” working tirelessly on behalf of ARS.
The service, called a “Celebration of Life," was held at the Piedmont Unitarian-Universalist Church, where Susan was a longtime member and frequent performer. UU Rev. Amy Rio paid tribute to Susan’s bravery dealing with a devastating disease, as well as to her many musical and other contributions to the church community. “After Susan played harp," the minister said tearfully, “I knew we needed harp for every Christmas Eve…”
Other speakers shared personal remembrances of Susan’s warmth, creativity, musical talents, and her infectious sense of humor. Kevin Taft, a friend since childhood, spoke of Susan’s openness and compassion, and how they both were avid fans of Star Wars. Mary Coppola, who with Susan co-founded the Piedmont Progressive Preschool at the church in 2001, talked about her personal generosity and how her initiative has had a lasting impact on children.
Susan led a rich and varied life, with accomplishments ranging from being a wonderful mother to owning a quirky boutique named “The Bag Lady." Many at the service had played music with Susan. In addition to the recorder, Susan was a skilled performer on many other instruments.
Susan’s burial ceremony took place the following day, Sunday, March 29, near Kings Mountain, North Carolina. It included a procession and a graveside ceremony with a recorder ensemble.
In attendance at the Saturday service were Susan’s mother Rosemarie Belcher; Susan’s sister Jennifer Brown-Vincent; Susan’s children Tristan and Rhys Burns, and their father, John Burns; Susan's son-in-law, Rhys’s husband Burgin Dossett; and other family members and many friends. UU Minister Dr. Amy Rio presided and the pianist was Anne Auger.
Donations in Susan’s memory can be made out to the American Recorder Society or the Piedmont Progressive Preschool.
–Don Boekelheide (Charlotte, NC)
