Suzanne Kay Skinner

Suzanne Kay Skinner, 63, of Cape Coral, Florida, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, April 18, 2024. Born May 21, 1960, in Huron County, Ohio, to Ray and Patricia (Frame) Skinner, Suzanne grew up in Athens, Ohio, graduating from Athens High School in 1978 and from The Ohio State University in 1982 with a degree in music education. After working at schools around Ohio, including as band director at The Colonel White High School for the Performing Arts in Dayton, she moved to Southwest Florida, where she spent the majority of her professional career in Lee County. Carrying on a family tradition, she worked in public schools nearly every school day since she was 22 years old and was a Golden Apple Teacher finalist. She taught music and band at Mariner High from 1993-1995; music and reading at Orange River Elementary from 1995-2000; music at Hancock Creek Elementary from 2000-2001; pre-K- 8 music and drama at The Sanibel School from 2001-2005; drama and music at Lexington Middle from 2005-2015; and drama and music at Estero High from 2015-2017. She was a countywide gifted resource instructor and innovator from 2017-2024. As evidenced by her career, Suzanne was a lifelong music lover and was passionate about instilling that same love of music in young people. She was in marching band in high school and marched with the Kilties and 27th Lancers drum & bugle corps. Suzanne was a phenomenal singer. She loved seeing musical performances and shows, including multiple shows on Broadway in New York City. Over the years, she enjoyed guiding her students in putting on many productions of their own in her drama teaching and advising roles. She also worked with the Alliance for the Arts and kept score for girls and boys basketball teams for many years, another testament to her devotion as an educator and supporter of young people. A lover of travel, Suzanne took frequent trips throughout Southwest Florida, the U.S. and abroad, including favorite vacations to Rome and China. She was a talented crafter who enjoyed making beaded jewelry for her loved ones. She also loved the dolphins in Southwest Florida where she made her home. Suzanne and her sister Sarah Jane were the absolute best of friends, and residents of their Cape Coral neighborhood will know them as the pair who drove around town in her Prius with her two Puli dogs. Suzanne was deeply devoted to her family, many of whom still live in Ohio where she grew up. She loved to visit her cousin Patty Blaine and her nieces Emily, Katie and Jessica, cheering them on at their dance recitals and graduations. She was also deeply devoted to her many friends and colleagues, as well as an animal lover with a special place in her heart for the many dogs who were part of her family throughout her life. Suzanne is survived by her sister, Sarah Jane; cousins, Patty Blaine (Jim) and Jamie (Vicki); nieces, Emily, Katie and Jessica; several extended family members and friends; and her beloved dog, Bengal. She rejoins her parents, aunt Jane and uncle Mark, brother-in-law Charlie, and many beloved dogs, including Buckeye and Maestro. In line with her wishes, no public services will be held. A private family ceremony will be held at a later date. In Suzanne’s memory, the family asks for donations to Blue Buffalo, The Animal Rescue Site or iHeartDogs.

Suzanne Kay Skinner

May 21, 1960 - April 18, 2024