Suellen Kirsch

Suellen Robinson Kirsch, 84, passed away May 22, 2026, in Tallassee, Alabama, at the home of her sister, Patsy Grant. She was born July 7, 1941 and grew up in Fairfax, Alabama (later Valley) and graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1963. At Valley High, she was head majorette of the Valley High School Marching Band, a member of multiple honor societies, and a popular all-around student.

Suellen was passionate about Auburn! She was a member of the Phi Mu sorority and a beauty queen from day one. She was named Miss Auburn in her senior year. She was an excellent student. Her many honors at Auburn included selection for membership in Mortar Board and other honorary societies. She was named Miss Alabama in the 1961 Miss Universe competition, and was one of five finalists in that contest. Her musical talents with the piano were legend. She loved music as a consumer of others' performances and she also played her Baby Grand for her own satisfaction. An accomplished musician, she supported the establishment of the Hayes Hall Performing Arts Center where the Naples (Florida) Philharmonic performs today. When famous soloists performed in Hayes Hall, Suellen was often asked to turn manuscript pages for the pianist. While residing in Naples, she also worked to help establish the first hospice care organization in Collier County. In recent years, she taught piano to both youth and adults. Suellen regularly drove to the home of an elderly woman who was no longer able to come to her. Additionally, she was ever-ready to play a mini concert for friends and guests (and cats), featuring work by Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Mozart, among others.

After graduating from Auburn, Suellen went to New York to work as a model and in television advertising. There she met Walter Kirsch Jr., whom she later married. They lived in Connecticut before moving to Naples, Florida, where Suellen obtained a real estate license and worked with Walter on development projects. They later moved to Pine Mountain, Georgia, purchased land near Calloway Gardens, and developed the property by building homes in an area called Mountain Shadows.

Suellen had a great sense of humor. She loved to laugh; in fact, she was capable of becoming so 'tickled' she could hardly breathe. In the last decade or so, Suellen organized lunches with former classmates and friends as well as reunions for her 1959 Valley High School graduating class. Suellen loved Callaway Gardens and regularly frequented the Country Store for breakfast. She was fascinated by the complexities of our planet and universe and she embraced natural healing. She was skilled at helping others (and herself) thrive without reliance on drugs or other external stimulants. She was a first-rate cook and gardener.

Suellen was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Robinson; and husband, Walter Kirsch. She is survived by her sister, Patsy Grant and many cousins, aunts and uncles. She is survived also by Fred and Mary (Flax) Kirsch and their daughters, Susan, Anna and Emily; and her cats. Suellen was a cat lover which the cats seemed to understand. The family expresses their unwavering gratitude to Faye Sorrell, Bart Sorrell, and Andy Sorrell for their love and help over many years; Suellen would not have survived her many challenges without them. Yet, Suellen's most faithful supporter (and best friend) was her "baby sister" Patsy. Suellen loved Patsy for her essential goodness, calm demeanor, work ethic, and ability to manage a farm full of dogs, cats, chickens, cows and horses while also nursing her husband whose health declined in recent years. Without Patsy's support, Suellen would have been lost.

A private burial by the family will be held at a later date. Given Suellen's love of animals of all shapes and sizes, anyone who wishes to memorialize her might consider donating to a Humane Society of their choice.

Memories and messages of condolences for the family may be shared at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory
Eclectic, Alabama