Susan Cassara Obituary

Susan Marie Cassara was 63 when she passed on July 6, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by the love of her husband, two daughters, and their spouses. She will be so dearly missed.
Susan was a beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was kind and smart and strong and gave all of herself to those around her. Susan passed just shy of her 27th wedding anniversary to her husband, George. They loved to laugh with each other, often enjoying summer nights outside playing cards beside a fire. She loved her daughters and grandchildren fiercely and made sure they knew that she was always there for them and that there could never be too many hugs or too many kisses.
Susan lived her life in service to others. She filled her daughters' childhood with love, spending time as a Girl Scout troop leader, making homemade Halloween costumes and birthday cakes, and spending long summer days together at the beach. Her love for children extended beyond her own. She cared for children of friends and neighbors at home and then went to college to obtain her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in education. She taught hundreds of children during nearly 20 years as a preschool teacher prior to her retirement in 2020 and stayed in touch with many parents of children that she taught.
In retirement, Susan split her time between New York and Tennessee. She had a close relationship with her parents, even joining their bowling league after moving back to Franklin Square in 2022. Susan maintained many friendships that were dear to her and were many decades long. Among her friends and family, she was known for hosting dinners with delicious home-cooked meals and baking treats to share, like her famous crumb cake and rainbow cookies at Christmastime. She never missed a birthday, sending cards with warm wishes written in her impeccable handwriting.
In Tennessee, she spent her time with her daughters and their families and was so looking forward to sharing retirement with her husband. Susan loved country music and while in Nashville was able to see some of her favorite artists in concert, most notably Garth Brooks, George Strait, and Chris Stapleton. George and Susan officially moved to Tennessee in early June, and in only a few weeks Susan had the whole house unpacked and decorated, new flowers planted in the garden, and several family dinners filled with loud conversations and laughter.
Susan's daughter, Alissa wished to share these words that Susan wrote for her first Mother's Day: "This is your first Mother's Day and I want you to know how proud I am of you. You are an amazing mama to Justo. I've watched you love and nurture him with confidence and always love. Take time to enjoy every stage of him growing. Be patient and kind when teaching him about life. Hug him and cuddle him as much as you want (even when he's old enough to say "Yuck"). He will remember. Home with you should always be his safe place. I love you always, Mama"
Home with you was always our safe place. We love you and miss you.
Susan is survived by her loving husband, George; her daughters, Jessica Taylor (Curtis) and Alissa Diminich (James Knapp); her cherished grandchildren, Katy and Logan Taylor, and Justo and Joan Diminich; her parents, Helen and Vincent Melia; and her siblings, Joseph Melia (Eileen) and Theresa David (Steven).
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