Susan Ann Quinlan Vaiarella, age 73, died peacefully in the arms of her husband as he rocked and sang to her on November 18, 2022. Our Beloved wife, mother, Nana and sister left this world after a long battle with cancer, her family by her side.
She was born in Lowell, MA, the daughter of John and Mary (Teed) Quinlan. Susan was extremely proud of her Irish heritage. She married the love of her life Richard Vaiarella on June 14, 1969, together they had three children Renee Barr (Jeff Peden) of Lake Mary, Richard Vaiarella, Jr. (who preceded her in death June 3, 2010), and Anthony (Michelle) Vaiarella of Sanford. She moved to Orlando with her husband in 1979 and in 2007 to Davenport, Florida.
Susan had a passion for life. Her family was her greatest joy. She loved to entertain and create delicious meals for them. In fact, some of her last words in life were reminding them about all kinds of food in the refrigerator in anticipation of Thanksgiving dinner. Besides spending time with her family, she loved to cruise and will miss her last adventure, which she and her husband had planned for Christmas time. She looked forward to her daily phone calls from her son and granddaughters. Her family was the most precious part of her life. She was the most generous lady, always ready for a good time. Susan worked for Disney World for 12 years and had an uncanny ability to find happiness in her daily life. She loved visiting the theme parks with family and friends. She touched many lives with her smile, generosity, and tea parties with her grandchildren. She loved to knit, sew, and garden. She was always creating gifts for others.
She is also survived by her granddaughters Bethany (Trevor) Godwin, Lindsay Skeen and Jordyn Vaiarella; grandsons Cameron Barr and Brady Vaiarella. In addition, she is survived by her two great grandsons Wyatt and Weston Godwin. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law John “Jack” and Ann Marie Quinlan, who always had a special place in her heart, was like a father-figure to her, and always made sure she was well taken care of; and brother Fred (Bonnie) Quinlan and brother-in-law Michael (Joanne) Vaiarella.
She was preceded in death by her loving son Richard Vaiarella, Jr. and her beautiful triplet granddaughters Payton Kathleen, Presley Susan, and Paxton Melanie Vaiarella on February 21, 2004 and sister, Margaret “Peggy” Quinlan and brothers, William “Billy” and Danny Quinlan.
The joy she brought to our lives will never end. We will keep her in our hearts and our memories and will miss her greatly. We cannot spend Christmas with her but know she will be at peace and without pain in heaven, with beloved Richard and the triplets.
A gathering of family and friends for Susan will be held Sunday, November 27, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel, 5000 County rd 46A, Sanford, FL 32771.
A graveside service will occur Monday, November 28, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Oaklawn Cemetery, 5000 County rd 46A, Sanford, FL 32771.
A celebration of life service will occur Monday, November 28, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5000 County rd 46A, Sanford, FL 32771.