Susan Fontana

1950—2018

Susan Ketner Fontana was born and raised in Vallejo, California, the only child of Gladys Ketner, who preceded her in death, and a long-time resident of Napa, California.

Susan graduated from Vallejo High School in 1968, held a BA degree from CSU Sacramento and a Special Education Credential from Sonoma State University. She taught history and mathematics at Lake Tahoe High School and, in her later tenure, she taught at Napa High School, as well as teaching Special Education at Valley Oak High School, in Napa. Susan provided her students with valuable life skills within an environment of positive encouragement, which included her commitment to denouncing bullying and gang association, teaching equality, and the value of higher education and job skills.

Susan was an experienced wine connoisseur and worked as a Wine Pourer part-time, for many years, in the VIP Tasting Room at V. Sattui Winery, Napa Valley.

Susan had a love of nature and for all animals, having rescued many dogs. In her younger years Susan danced, sang, acted and enjoyed jet skiing, snow skiing, swimming, and hiking. Her favorite get-aways were Tahoe and Hawaii.

Susan’s vibrant laughter and her energetic and bigger-than-life personality will be missed by all who knew her. A private Celebration of Life is being held for family and close friends.

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