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Susan Blend McKinlay Collins Harried passed away on Sunday, April 5 after a long and courageous battle with COPD. While the COPD finally took her body, it never conquered her spirit and she remained resolute in her fight against this dreaded condition. Susan was assisted in this struggle by her husband of 29 years and the excellent medical staff at Indian River Medical Center and her wonderful doctor, Dr. Michael Tonner.
Susan was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 17, 1944, the loving daughter of Donald and Barbara McKinlay. She spent her formative years in Denver, Colorado and after graduation from Colorado College she began a lengthy teaching career, first in Denver and then at Stoughton High School in Stoughton, Wisconsin. While at Stoughton High School, Susan served as the department chair of the pupil services department and implemented a student tutoring program at the local elementary schools. As a consequence of this program, many of her students followed her into the teaching profession.
Like most wives, mothers and grandmothers, Susan was loving and caring, always helping others without expecting anything in return. She enjoyed reading, doing cross word puzzles and remaining up to date with current events.
Susan resided at her beloved Sea Watch Condominium in Vero Beach, where she built cherished relationships with Glenn Morris, Barbara Jones, Karen O�Connor, Leo and Shirley Wyrembek, Herman and Dyan Schwall and many other neighbors.
Susan was preceded in death by her father, Donald McKinlay (Helen); her mother, Barbara Sheridan(Dr. Paul); and her brother Tom McKinlay.
Susan is survived by her husband, Olin; her father in law, Olin Sr.; her adult children, Matt Collins(Lina), Kelly Rietow(Rick), Kim Zaudtke(Al), Kerry Harried; her brother, David McKinlay(Christine); and her good friend, Linda Olson of Stoughton, WI.
A life well lived, she will be missed by all�. She made a difference to all who knew her.
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