Hemet, CA

Suzanne Mastroianni died peacefully on October 20, 2024. Not only was she a great mom, she was a loving wife, cherished sister, dedicated educator, and lifelong Democrat. Perhaps most importantly, Suzanne was a devoted grandmother and dispenser of "squeaky hugs."

Suzanne was born July 17, 1945 in Anacortes, Washington to James and Marguerite Ledbetter and grew up in San Diego County, California, most notably in Encinitas. She cherished her bond with her sister, Kathleen, and their shared love of cats, and adored her siblings Ellie, Grace, and Patrick. Suzanne earned her degree in Education at the University of Oklahoma and remained a proud Sooner to the end. It was at San Diego State University, which she attended to earn her California teaching credential, that she met her husband Franco after her roommate's old Buick broke down. Franco came to the rescue and the rest is history! They were married in 1967 in Hemet, California where they settled to raise a family and embark on their teaching careers.

Suzanne enjoyed a long career as a teacher in the Hemet Unified School District, beginning at Hemet Elementary in 1967 and culminating with her retirement from Hemet High School in 2003. She was a fiercely dedicated educator who cherished the connections she formed with students, many of whom she continued to correspond with for years after they had graduated. Their letters, cards, photos, and artwork still adorn the walls of her home office, and their projects, from a campus radio station to a written history of our valley, were a source of pride.

Suzanne was a great mom to her three kids and always declared she'd hit the jackpot in the son and daughter-in-law department, too, but she was especially passionate about her role as "Grandmother." Whether it was cooking a "Tried and True" recipe, reading the work of her favorite poets or storybooks saved from her own childhood, doing a deep dive into foreign films, or walking the garden to master the names of all the roses planted there, the kids' time at Grandmother's house always involved learning something new. She insisted all the kids take piano lessons and invariably asked "What are you reading?" And we all know what LPP means (Or do you? If you know you know!). Ever the teacher, Suzanne imparted so many lasting lessons that will stay with all her kids - be they her children, grandchildren, or students.

Retirement brought new adventures, and Suzanne and Franco loved taking trips with dear friends, with everyone documented in one of Suzanne's infamous little Marble Memo books then later meticulously preserved in scrapbook form. Over the years, whether it was raising her babies side by side with her best friends, going out to breakfast with the gals, or just hanging out in the backyard, Suzanne deeply valued her friendships. Even to the end, the continued visits by her lifelong friends meant so much to Suzanne and her family.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her husband Franco. She is survived by daughters Frances (Ron) and Marisa (Adam), son Alexander (Amy), and grandchildren Miles, Lucy, Addison, Luna, and Apollo. She loved her cat Anna and her dear departed dog Daisy. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the staff at Hacienda Senior Living for the loving care they gave to both Suzanne and Franco.

A graveside service will be held November 27, 2024, 1:30 pm at San Jacinto Valley Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Mastroianni family home.