The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Announces the Sudden Death of Susan Loris, Executive Vice President of Institutional Advancement

January 9, 2022 – MILWAUKEE – With heavy hearts, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO) announces the sudden death of Susan Loris, executive vice president of institutional advancement. The cause of death is believed to be a heart attack.

Susan is survived by her husband, J. Mark Baker, sisters, Karen Tomashek and Jennifer Loris, her brother-in-law John Tomashek as well as her three nieces and nephew. A memorial service will be held in the coming months.

“Words are not adequate to convey how deeply devastated we are,” said Mark Niehaus, president and executive director of the MSO. “To know Susan was to love Susan. At the MSO and throughout Milwaukee’s and the country’s performing arts community, Susan was revered for her intellect, drive, creativity, and passion for people. She always put others first, and to think of life without her is simply unimaginable. To her husband Mark, her sisters Karen and Jennifer, and all her friends and family, we are so sorry for your loss and grieve so very deeply with you.”

“Susan’s passion for the MSO and for the arts in our community has inspired all of us,” said Susan Martin, MSO board chair. “The work she has done for the MSO has left an indelible mark on the entire organization and everyone she worked with. But above all, Susan was a great friend to all of us. We are truly heartbroken and our thoughts are with her family and friends.”

More information will be forthcoming regarding memorials.

About Susan Loris

Susan joined the MSO in 2007 as director of public affairs and was quickly promoted to vice president of marketing and communications. Susan was promoted to the role of executive vice president for institutional advancement in 2016. Susan grew up in New Berlin, Wisconsin, and graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton with a degree in music and government.