Suzanne Elizabeth Thorin

March 2, 1942 – December 21, 2025

Suzanne Elizabeth Thorin was born on March 2, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, to Stanley and Anita (née Hallberg) Thorin. A woman of formidable spirit, Suzanne faced significant challenges early in life when she contracted polio at age seven. Her recovery, which included a period of isolation in the hospital, left a lasting physical and psychological mark on her, yet it also forged the resilience that would define her extraordinary life.

Suzanne’s lifelong love of music and learning began in Detroit and led her to North Park College (now University) in Chicago, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education in 1963. After teaching music in Chicago high schools, she returned to Michigan to earn dual Master’s degrees in Vocal Performance and Library Science from the University of Michigan.

Her professional career was one of groundbreaking leadership. She served as the first music librarian at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1969–1980), where she also shared her gift as a vocalist in university performances. In 1980, she joined the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., rising to become Chief of Staff to the Librarian of Congress in 1992. A pioneer in the digital frontier, Suzanne was a driving force behind the National Digital Library program. Her expertise was later recognized on a national stage when President Obama appointed her to the National Museum and Library Service Board.

Suzanne went on to serve as the Dean of Libraries at Indiana University Bloomington (1996–2006) and concluded her distinguished career as the Dean of Libraries at Syracuse University, retiring in 2014. Throughout her time in D.C. and beyond, she continued to nourish her musical soul by singing with elite chamber groups.

In retirement, Suzanne moved near Boston and discovered a new passion: botanical art. With her characteristic dedication, she studied botany, color theory, and watercolor, focusing her keen eye on the intricate details of heirloom apples and nature’s flora. Even while battling cancer, she completed her final project and received her Certificate in Botanical Art from the New England Society of Botanical Artists in 2024.

Suzanne was a world traveler, a rescuer of cats, and a fierce advocate for the humane treatment of all animals, regularly supporting PETA and the Humane Society. Known for her sharp wit, natural generosity, and a "wonderful sense of humor" that turned colleagues into lifelong friends, Suzanne’s life was defined by the deep connections she cultivated everywhere she went.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother, David Thorin.

She is survived by her loving sister, Christina Lawrenz and her sister-in-law, Marguerite Thorin. She was a proud aunt to Anita Reynolds (Steve), Peter Thorin (Dung), Carl Lawrenz Jr., Lisa Cuffe (William), and great-aunt to Nicholas, Lucas, and Alexandra Cuffe, Paxton Reynolds (Racheal), and Sydney Thorin. Her spark lives on in her great-great-nephews, Jaxxon and Calvin Reynolds, her three dear cousins, and a vast circle of friends who became family.

She was much loved and will be deeply missed. May God grant peace to her memory and bless her legacy.