Renee Kathryn Zuschin

Renee Zuschin brought a shining light and the warmth and joy of her faith to everyone she encountered. Born June 3, 1947 in Iowa, she was the eldest of six children. At a young age Renee's parents moved to California, Renee grew up in Monterey. They moved to Campbell where she attended Campbell High. In 1962, her family moved to their forever home in Santa Cruz where she started school at Holy Cross High School. Holy Cross is where she first met her high school sweetheart, Ron. After graduating from high school, Renee attended Cabrillo College studying to become an x-ray technician. She soon figured out that x-raying was not for her and she enrolled at Wayne's Beauty College. At Wayne's she made friends and gained customers that lasted her a lifetime. Renee took a lot of pride in her work, helping others look their best.
Renee's heart was her family. When she married the love of her life, Ron, she didn't just gain a husband, but became a mother to son Scott. Ron and Renee purchased their current home in Soquel and Renee opened a beauty shop there. Her loyal clients followed her and she soon made new friendships and gained new customers in the neighborhood. Soon after marrying they welcomed daughter, Cynthia and son, Steven. Working out of the home afforded Renee the opportunity to be available to her children and work at the same time. If you asked Renee what she was most proud of in her life she would tell you that she was proud of raising three happy and successful children.
Beyond her role as a wife and mother, Renee was a talented artist. Her hands were always busy knitting, crafting, sewing, and quilting - anyone who knew Renee, knew her creative spirit. She enjoyed making handmade gifts to share with her family and friends.
Throughout Renee's life she had many friends. She kept true friendships close to her heart. If you spent any amount of time with her you know she loved sharing stories and advice. Her earliest friendships are with her friends she grew up with in Monterey, went to school with in San Jose and Santa Cruz or met in college and beauty school. Renee's clients too became friends that lasted a lifetime. Her friends in faith and support groups fed her spirit with love and hope over the years.
Deeply committed to her Catholic faith, Renee lived a life of genuine service. At St. Joseph's and Holy Cross Church, she wasn't just a member, but a beacon of faith. She served as a eucharist minister, taught baptismal classes, and ran Marriage Encounters and Cursillo Retreats.
Her life was a beautiful testament to love, faith, family, and friendship.
Renee was preceded in death by her father, Leonard Adams and her mother, Nonna Adams. She was survived by her loving husband Ron, her children and their partners Scott and Tamara, Cynthia and Roberto, and Steven and Billie; her grandchildren Dontea, Julian, Mateo, Diego, Emmy Louise, Rosalie, and Stevie; her Great Granddaughters Dolce Dior and D'Asia; and her five siblings and their families.
Though Renee's battle with Peritoneal Cancer was challenging, she faced it with bravery, grace and faith. Her family remembers her not for her illness, but for her incredible spirit of strength and love. Her family would like to thank Sutter Oncology, her home nurses, and Hospice of Santa Cruz for treating her with respect, comfort, and dignity.
A vigil and recitation of the holy Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. and a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church 126 High St., Santa Cruz, CA on Monday, November 24th. Renee will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 2271 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Cross Church or Holy Cross School in memory of Renee.