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.