Susan Theresa Brunasso

Susan Theresa Brunasso (neé Hotchkiss), aged 77, passed away on March 26, 2022 at her home in Brea, CA. She was the adoring wife of Mario Brunasso and they shared almost 58 years of true love and happiness, raising a family and traveling the world together.

 

Born in Whittier, CA on February 1, 1945, she was the eldest daughter of Charles and Rita Hotchkiss. On June 10, 1967, she graduated with a BA degree in Psychology from CA State University, Long Beach. College sweethearts, Mario and Susan were married the following week on June 17, at Saint Benedict’s Catholic Church in Montebello, CA. Notably, she wrote in her wedding book that “it was the happiest day of my life.”

 

Susan was most passionate about being a wife, a mother of three, a good friend and about her Catholic faith. She was devoted to her family and often volunteered to help at school and church. She generously gave of her time to be a Cub Scout den-mother, a Girl Scout leader and often lent her sewing skills to her parish. In addition to her many volunteer hours and acts of charity, she worked as a materials manager for ARAMCO in Saudi Arabia and in Brea at Hi Chem Diagnostics.

 

She was a true renaissance woman and cherished adventure, living in Saudi Arabia for twelve years and Dubai for three years. She explored over 100 countries and made countless friends while journeying around the world. When traveling, she enjoyed learning about other cultures and their histories. Susan was an exceptional quilter and seamstress, an excellent cook, an accomplished gardener, an artistic home designer and an engaging storyteller. Serving as the household historian and genealogist, she traced the ancestry of both clans (Hotchkiss & Brunasso) over 200 years. Additionally, she was an expert CFO and CEO for her family.

 

Susan’s family and friends will miss her tremendously and always remember and treasure her adventurous spirit, intelligence, philanthropy and eternal optimism. She dedicated her life to faith, kindness, dignity and integrity. Her husband Mario expressed his undying love and gratitude for her when he affirmed: “What an extraordinary woman she was. God was wonderful in letting me find and marry her.”

 

Susan is survived by her husband Mario; her children: Steven and wife Raquel, Laura and husband Robert, and Erica and husband Justin; her siblings: Andrea, Bruce, David and Terry; her seven grandsons: Ricardo, Niccoló, Charlie, Rafael, Marco, Sammy and Francesco; and many cousins and friends. She is predeceased by her parents and older brother Geoffrey.

 

A Rosary and Irish Wake will be hosted by her family at 7:00 pm on Friday, April 29, at the Pope John Paul II Polish Center, 3999 Rose Drive, Yorba Linda, CA. 

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, April 30, also at the Pope John Paul II Polish Center, with Reverend Father Zbigniew Czendlik officiating at the mass.

 

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the following: Saint John Paul II Catholic High School (wwwjp2catholic.org/stb) and Pope John Paul II Polish Center (www.polishcenterorg).