City Drama Teacher Suzanne Tyra Dies

Suzanne J. Tyra CairecWi)fjHïiior Light Opera and performing arts instructor at Community High School, died Friday at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital following a brief illness. Mrs. Tyra, of 1421 Pine Valley Blvd., was born in Los Angeles, Calif. and Üved in Chico, Calif., and Baton Rouge, La., before moving to Ann Arbor 10 years ago. A gradúate of Northwestern University, Mrs. Tyra has taught in t!#'Ann Arbor public schools since 1965. She was a vocal and instrumental music teacher with the Willow Run public schools from 1963 to 1965. Mrs. Tyra had been with Junior Light Opera (JLO) for several yeárs and has conducted many shows including, "The Sound of Music," "Oliver," "Celebration," "110 In The Shade," "The King & I" and "The Fantasticks." She appeared on stage for the JLO in the title role of v'3 S "Helio, (POlly." Mrs. Tyra was a member of St. Clare's Episcopal Church, Zeta Tau Alpha social sorority at Northwestern, Sigma Alpha Iota and Tau Beta Sigma. She received the Northern California Fine Arts Award sponsored by the California Bank. Survivors include three sons, Kenneth, Kevin and Kristopher; three daughters, Karla, Kathryn and Karen; her mother, Mrs. William H. Sheldon of Chico, Calif.; a sister, Carol Salicru and a brother, Roger Sheldon, both of California. Memorial services for Mrs. Tyra will be held at 9 a.m. Monday at St. Clare's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Douglas' Evett officating. Cremation will follow. Friends may call at Muehlig Funeral Chapel beginning Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Suzanne Tyra Memorial Fund in care of Lew Wallace, director of music programs, Ann Arbor Public Schools. J