Susie Cairns

Susie was a devoted wife, responsible big sister, inclusive sister in law, doting aunt and gentle caretaker whose welcoming home was the family hub. With God’s grace, she exemplified the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Susie was born on December 26, 1952, in Owensboro, Kentucky, to the late Marjorie Mae Vance (née Smith) and the late Robert Earl Vance. By age one, her parents settled in Safety Harbor, where she was raised. She graduated from Dunedin High School in 1970. She married Mark Cairns in 1985 at St. Michael Catholic Church.

Steadfastly, they built a life of unwavering love and celebrated 41 years of marriage in May. Susie showered her husband and family with a lifetime of affection, touching moments and cherished works of art that reflect her creative spirit.

Throughout her life, from a young woman to a professional in real estate to a hobby artist, Susie formed and maintained enduring connections and heartfelt friendships that became a lasting and meaningful part of her life. Susie’s loyalty and diligence helped her build a successful career in local real estate. Her warmth and strength of character kept her at the center of her family and friends.

Susie and Mark shared a love of creating, building, and exploring the world together. One of their treasured accomplishments was building a home in the mountains of Whittier, North Carolina, a special place they loved to host friends and family and where they made many wonderful memories. They also enjoyed traveling and taking cruises, embracing opportunities to experience new places together. Yet, Susie reveled in the simple comforts of home with Mark and Sadie, their sweet King Charles Cavalier.

A passionate artist, Susie found joy in creating things. Early on, she explored many mediums like basketweaving but eventually discovered a love for painting and making furniture alongside her husband. She showcased her art throughout Pinellas County where others could appreciate the creativity she poured into each piece. Susie also enjoyed gifting the nurses at Moffitt with her handmade resin hearts, a small token of her gratitude for their care.

Susie is survived by her beloved husband Mark F. Cairns; her younger sisters, Barbara Aldrich, Anna (Andy) Hodgen, and Helena Fletcher; her brother-in-law, Paul Cairns; her niece, Trish Lawton, who was like a daughter to her; other nieces and nephews; and her dearest friends of fifty plus years Peggy Eaton and Cindy Hanna.

Though Susie will be deeply missed, the beauty she brought into the world will live on not only through her artwork but also through the memories held by her husband, family and friends.

A celebration to honor her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Susie’s memory may be made to Miles for Moffitt https://www.moffitt.org/give/ or consider walking or running in the local race of courage and hope that raises funds for life-saving cancer research.