Susan Tatzin, 66, passed away in her home in Silver City, NM on March 20, 2014.  

Born in Baltimore in 1947 to Georgine and Lew Tatzin, Susan lived most of her life in Florida and the Southwest.  She graduated from Cocoa Beach (FL) High School, class of 1965 and Florida State University, class of 1969, where she majored in music.  Susan’s love of all things melodic led her to a lifelong journey of teaching, song and performance.  She taught elementary school music for 30 years, primarily in the bowling green and Zolfo Springs Elementary Schools in the Hardee County, FL school district.  In addition, she conducted private piano instruction.  Susan sang in many church choirs and often provided the musical accompaniment.  She played French horn in the Melbourne (FL) Municipal Orchestra and the Concert Band of the Southwest.  Additionally, Susan played in the Desert Larks recorder group and was a board member of the Grant County (NM) Community Concert Association.  During her teaching years, Susan resided in Wauchula, FL and developed many lasting friendships there.  After retiring from her teaching career to care for her aged mother for 10 years in the family home in Cocoa Beach, Susan moved to New Mexico, a state she fondly remembered from childhood.  In addition to music, Susan especially loved dogs and volunteered at animal welfare organizations.  After moving to Silver City, Susan joined the Concert Band of the Southwest and took up new interests including rock collecting.  

She is survived by her brother Don Tatzin and sister-in-law Ellen Reintjes of Lafayette, CA and her beloved dog Mindy.  

The family will be holding a Memorial Service on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 2 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 1915 N. Swan St. Silver City, NM 88061.  

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Susan’s memory to First Presbyterian Church, 1915 N. Swan St., Silver City, NM 88061, Our Paws’ Cause Thrift Shop 108 N. Bullard Silver City, NM 88061 or Faith Presbyterian Church 114 N. 7th Ave. Wauchula, FL 33873.  

Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory.