Susan Rizza

Born to Joseph Volsansky and Norma (Nohrenberg) Neil in Pender Nebraska, Sue moved to Napa in 1965. She attended Vichy, Alta Heights, and Shearer elementary schools, Ridgeview Middle School and Napa High School. Sue worked in the office of the Napa Valley Register then at Napa State Hospital and the Veterans Home in Yountville as a Pharmacy Technician. She grew up an avid softball player and loved athletics and competition.

In 1983 Sue had her eldest child, Michelle (Prutch) Allen, and in 1986 gave birth to her youngest daughter, Heather (Prutch) Zaidel. Sue was a loving, dedicated and loyal mother. In 1995 Sue married Jim Rizza.

In 2000 Sue was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia) which required a Bone Marrow Transplant in order to survive. After spending two years in Palo Alto (Stanford Hospital) Sue returned home to resume a very productive and enjoyable life. She loved bike riding, cooking, gardening, entertaining, traveling, kayaking, and fishing. However, her devotion to family was always her number one priority. Sue was blessed with three grandchildren (Jordan Allen, Brianna Allen, and Jackson Zaidel) and spent much time teaching her grandchildren how to cook and garden. She loved watching her granddaughters play softball and attended most games. Sue was an outstanding grandmother! Her winter hobbies included crocheting blankets, beanies, scarves, and pot holders for others. She loved giving gifts to friends and family.

Sue will be dearly missed by all those who knew her. She made a big impact as a daughter, sister, mother, wife, and grandmother. Sue will be remembered for her beautiful smile, kind eyes, warm heart, and devotion to friends and family. She loved doing for others and was the family “glue”.

Sue is survived by her loyal, loving husband of twenty years Jim Rizza, her daughter Michelle (Shea Allen) of Napa, CA. her daughter Heather (Mike Zaidel), Denver CO. her mother Norma Neil of Napa, her father Joseph Volsansky of Roseville, CA. her brother Joel Volsansky (Marta) Sacramento, CA. and her brother Jim Volsansky of San Ramon, CA. She is also survived by her niece Alix Volsansky of Sacramento, CA. her aunt, Mary Long of Omaha NE. along with uncles, cousins, and numerous loving friends.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday June 25th, 11:00 AM, at St. Apollinaris Catholic Church, 3700 Lassen Street, Napa, CA. A private burial has already taken place at Tulocay Cemetery in Napa, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services PO Box 4072 Pittsfield, MA 01202

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