Susan Burtnett Bablove

If there were ever a smile that could light up a stage, that smile belonged to Susan “Burt” Bablove. She was a warm hearted and well-loved individual with an energetic and playful spirit that made you want to be around her all the time.

Susan was the daughter of John Burtnett and Mary Nordsiek. She had one older brother, John Burtnett III. Born in West Virginia, her family moved to Eastern Kentucky where she attended grade school and high school.

Susan was always enthusiastic about new adventures. As a young girl, she had a number of interests all of which involved performing. Susan took part in dancing, singing and piano lessons. She was in multiple choral groups in high school where she developed her love for musical theater. Her passion for the performing arts continued into college where in 1974 she earned a Bachelor degree in Music Education with vocal emphasis from Peabody College for Teachers (now part of Vanderbilt University).

After college, Susan leapt towards an opportunity to audition at Opryland, a new theme park opening in Nashville, TN that touted musical shows. She starting performing at Opryland in 1976 and she graced their stages and managed entertainment behind the scenes for a total of 22-years until Opryland closed its gates for the final time in 1997.

Susan was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. In 1985 she had a beautiful daughter named Laura. Laura was her pride and joy.

Susan excelled in Production Management, because she truly was the textbook definition of a “people person”. She brought joy and harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues. These qualities and determination saw her through many positions as she rose the ranks from Secretary to the Director of Entertainment to Production Manager at Opryland.

She continued her Production Management career long after Opryland closed, serving 2-years with Gary Musick Productions and finally with Disneyland. In 2003 after taking an offer from "the Mouse" that she could not refuse, she left Tennessee and moved to Orange County, California.

In 2012, she was blessed with one grandson, Braeden Quinn and loved being a Nana to him.

Susan passed away on July 10, 2019 at her residence in Anaheim Hills, California. Susan fought a brave battle against breast cancer. She is survived by her daughter Laura (Alex) Quinn, grandson Braeden Quinn, brother John (Marilyn) Burtnett and her niece Janet (Burtnett) Wilde. A visitation will be held at Fairhaven Memorial Park Waverley Chapel on Tuesday, July 16 2019 from 4pm to 8pm with a Funeral Service on Wednesday July 17, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. Reception to follow. Susan will be laid to rest after a private ceremony in Fairhaven Memorial Park Eternal Springs Garden.

Everyone whose life she touched will miss Susan Burtnett Bablove.

If you are considering making a donation in Susan's name please donate to the Orange County chapter of the Susan G. Komen foundation by visiting komenoc.org and click on "Donate". There you will find the section for Memorial donations.