Loved ones gave a fond farewell to the jazz musician.
By Ramon Lopez
Original Air Date: May 2, 2025
Host: Synia Carroll passed away in March. Ramon Lopez watched and listened at the jazz musician’s recent memorial service.
Synia Carroll: (singing) I’ve had my share
I’ve drunk my fill
And even though I’m satisfied
I’m hungry still
To see what’s down another road beyond the hill
And do it all again
Ramon Lopez: That was Synia Carroll, the Sarasota-based jazz vocalist who left a career as a schoolteacher to devote herself full-time to music. She passed away on Friday, March 14, after a struggle with breast cancer. She was 67.
Chris Nevell on piano and John Lamb on standup bass at Synia Carroll’s celebration of life.
There was a Celebration of Life at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on Fruitville Road in Sarasota this past Saturday, where family, friends and fans said goodbye to the gifted singer. In attendance were jazz greats Al Hizon, Eddie Tobin and John Lamb.
A jazz vocalist with smooth and soulful vocals, Synia was a storyteller that captivated audiences with every inspiring performance. She energetically engaged directly with a crowd, adding her personal flair to match the mood and story of each song.
A Philadelphia native, she attended Catholic schools, then went on to Wesleyan University where she majored in Spanish Literature and performed as a singer. She taught Spanish and theatre arts and worked as a counselor while at the same time singing in studio sessions.
She married Jeff McQuilian and started a family, having daughter Janina and son Jesse.
In 2010, she married again, Ed Linehan. They moved to Sarasota in 2014 where she delved deeply into her love of music and quickly immersed herself in the jazz scene.
Synia released two jazz CDs. The first, “Here’s to You…,” was released in 2016. Last year, “Water Is My Song” was issued.
Reverend Jay Wolin said at Saturday’s service:
Jay Wolin: Synia’s life was a well-lived life, like I am sure most of you will remember Synia’s infectious smile and her warm heart. Her soulful singing here on Sundays has lifted people’s hearts and spirits up, and she lifted our consciousness up as well. Synia was about sharing her love, her spirit, her talent with the world.
RL: We next hear from Synia’s daughter, Janina McQuillian.
Janina McQuillian: I wanted to say thank you because I do feel really loved and supported and held by all of you. I know that she feels that too.
RL: Girls group singer Brenda Watty of 1960s rock and roll era The Toys and The Marvelettes, sang a medley of gospel songs at the service.
Brenda Watty: (singing) Wade in the water
Wade in the water, children
Wade in the water
God’s gonna trouble the water
RL: Synia is survived by Ed Linehan, who said upon her passing. “It was both way too soon and, given her health, not soon enough. As a singer, Synia connected with all of us about our lives, our challenges and our hopes for the future.”
He spoke about their move to Sarasota.
Ed Linehan.
Ed Linehan: She had never lost sight of the vision of the possibility that she might resume a singing career. We happily found ourselves here 10 months later—July 1, 2014. It was a wonderful move for us and a phenomenal move for her.
RL: For all of Synia’s talents and achievements, she will be remembered most for the person that she was. Her bright eyes, broad smile and warm heart were ever present with family, oldest friends and newest acquaintances.
When Synia was with you, she was with you, connected in conversation and in spirit.
Gone too soon, Synia will be missed but not forgotten.
[Piano solo followed by applause]
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