Susan Laburda passed away peacefully on July 9th, 2026, surrounded by family. Susan lived a life enriched by her love of music, her devotion to family, and her creative spirit.
Susan’s passion for music was evident from an early age and became the cornerstone of her life. She pursued her musical education with dedication and distinction. She started her journey in California where she studied music history and continued working on her organ skills. She received a scholarship to study Baroque music and continued her academic journey at the University of Western Ontario, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music with honors in music history in 1982. Susan also shared her expertise through workshops and lectures on “The History and Development of the Hymn” at Regent College in Vancouver.
Throughout her life, Susan used her musical talents to bring joy and inspiration to others. She played piano and organ for church services with an emotive style that deeply resonated with listeners. Her ability to connect through music extended to directing choirs, teaching piano and educating others to appreciate the beauty of melody and harmony.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Susan was a gifted artist who found joy in creating beautiful handmade cards. In recent years, she incorporated watercolors into her designs, crafting delicate images that reflected her gentle nature. Her creativity was matched by her kindness; she was known for being selfless and always thinking of others before herself. Despite life’s challenges, Susan remained strong and resilient, choosing to focus on the positive.
Family was central to Susan’s life. She cherished time spent with loved ones and was adored by her nieces and nephews – Nicholas, Amanda, Joel, Daniel, Chantelle – and their families. Her warmth extended across generations as she delighted in the company of grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Susan is survived by her brother Frank Laburda and her sister Karin Miki. She is pre-deceased by her parents Rainer and Rosemarie Laburda and her sister Christine Laburda.
Susan’s legacy is one of love, creativity, resilience and an enduring passion for music that touched countless lives. May those who knew her find comfort in their memories of her gentle spirit and the beauty she brought into the world through both sound and art.
A Memorial Service will be held in her honor on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM at St. Andrews Newton Presbyterian Church 7147 124th St. Surrey BC.
August 28th, 2026
Our dear Susan. You will be missed so much and by so many. You held a special place in our family’s hearts. You were my organ teacher when I was in my teens, then years later we were delighted and surprised when you joined St Andrew’s as Choir Director where Mum sung in the choir, and then you gave my daughter, Kate, organ lessons. Such a kind and gentle soul and we all thought the world of you. I will miss our visits but hope you and Mum are singing with the angels. Sending you love and light. ❤️💫
August 22nd, 2026
Unto the Lord make a joyful noise…Thank you Susan.
August 21st, 2026
May God comfort all those who mourn the loss of a gentle soul, Susan's, a soul that's found rest in Jesus, her eternal home.
August 20th, 2026
Susan was one of the kindest, sweetest people I have met in my life. As a choir member I was not skilled at reading the notes and Susan was very patient with my taking time to practice. She was also my son's piano teacher guiding him patiently through his RCM levels. God decided He needs her to be in her Eternal Home. Nancy, Ajit and I will always remember her...
August 14th, 2026
Susan I will miss practicing piano and organ duets at special occasions where we enjoyed mutual and spiritual inspirations. Thank you for leading our choir for so many years with such dedication and patience. Enjoy the music of your heavenly home and God's peace be with you always.
August 8th, 2026
It was a privilege to have worked with Susan t St Andrews. She was a gifted musician, who embodied skill, patience and humour in dealing with choir members and with music students. We were so very lucky to have had her company for so many years. She will be missed. Sincere condolences to her family
August 8th, 2026
I always appreciated Susan's calm encouragement and direction at choir practice
She will be sorely missed.
August 8th, 2026
Thank you, God & Susan, for the blessing of your music. I was saddened by the news. Life is too short.
August 7th, 2026
My mother greatly enjoyed the time she spent with Susan in the church choir. I will be forever grateful that she played such lovely piano music during my mother’s memorial service. I know my mom would have appreciated that given how much time they had spent together with the church choir over the years.
August 6th, 2026
Susan, you are such a special lady, we loved our visits when you taught Brenda piano many years ago, Your kindness and how you made time to chat, your organ playing was our favourite, RIP Susan we will miss you
August 6th, 2026
I was so sad when we were notified that Susan had gone to her heavenly home. I always remember my short time in our church choir with Susan and how much patience she had coaching me and encouraging and trying to convince me I was doing okay, not being trained at all in music. We will miss her every week and I wish condolences to all her family as I am sure they will miss her as much as our church family will. Rest in Peace Susan and Peace be with you always.
August 2nd, 2026
I am so glad to have known and worked with Susan, wish it could have been longer. She was a stellar music teacher. May her legacy live on in her students.
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