In Memory

Susan Mascaro (Grossi)

Susan Mascaro (Grossi)

Susan Rae Mascaro Grossi

August 24, 1951 - February 18, 2023

Obituary

Susan Rae  Mascaro Grossi

Our family unexpectedly lost its Matriarch, Susan Rae Mascaro Grossi, on February 18, 2023. She was just 71 years old. Gratefully, she was surrounded by her loved ones when she went home to her Heavenly Father.

Susan’s life would seem too short to many, but those of us who were blessed to be touched by her know that her existence and the imprint she left on our hearts exceed the quantity of time that she stayed here.

Susan was born on August 24, 1951, to Nick and Raeola Mascaro in Murray, Utah. During her senior year at Hillcrest High School in 1969, she met Serge Grossi, whom she married in 1970. Susan and Serge were married for 25 years and went on to have 4 children: Jason, Mesia, André, and Danielle.

Susan always loved sunshine and the beach; therefore, the family decided to move from Utah to Mission Viejo, California in 1984. She had always been determined to finish her post-secondary education and did so by graduating with a Bachelor’s in Arts in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton in 1992, then continuing on to complete one Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 1994 and another Master’s in Educational Psychology from Alliant International University in 2004.

She met her husband Raymond Pasillas in 1997 and they wed in 1999. They spent many years together with their cherished Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Reggie and Chloe.

Over her 22-year career as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she counseled many marines and their families pre and post deployment onsite at Camp Pendleton as well as running her own practice specializing in children and adolescents with emotional disturbances and learning disabilities and helping families in crisis until January 2014, after which she went into retirement.

Even in retirement she always had an ear for anyone who needed it. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she was a Ward Missionary and the backbone of this program. She felt all people deserved her love and attention; she saw no barrier between members and non-members. She loved them all and could call on someone she didn’t know and would love them right away. Just days before her passing, her Bishop called her to teach an Emotional Resilience class because of her experience and all that she could offer.

She also donated her time to speak at various research conferences and workshops regarding our family’s genetic connective tissue disorder.

She spent time making as many special memories as possible with her family, including her 6 grandchildren, and her friends. She always loved to travel and had said many times that if she could do it all over again, she would have traveled even more.

Susan was preceded in death by her eldest son, Jason Grossi (1995).

She is survived by her husband, Raymond Pasillas; her children: Mesia (Matt) Kempton, André Grossi, Danielle (Antonio) Ciminiera; her 6 grandchildren: Seneca Kempton (14), Adah Kempton (8), Zara Grossi (12), Zidane Grossi (8), Jason Ciminiera (12), Nicolas Ciminiera (9); Serge Grossi; and countless loving family members and friends.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 4th as follows:

  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 22851 Aliso Creek Rd, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
    • 10:30a Viewing, Relief Society Room
    • 11:45a Memorial Services, Chapel A
    • 1p Light Refreshments, Cultural Hall
    • Everyone is welcome



 
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02/24/23 09:47 AM #4    

Craig Walker

I grew up with Susan attending elementary through High school and being in the same ward for all those years. We reconnected in 1995 after her Son passed away. We would call each other on are Birthdays. We would have lunch whenever she came back to town. She was so hard working and kind. So positive despite her heart issues  I will miss those texts and calls 


02/24/23 01:25 PM #5    

Dan Mackintosh

Susan was very personable and kind. We were all very fortunate to know her and be a part of each others lives during our years at Hillcrest High. She will definitly be missed.


02/24/23 07:53 PM #6    

Marilyn Miller (Cox)

We have lost one of our best cheerleaders.  Whenever she was in town, Susan worked very hard to connect with her friends.  She would organize lunch dates and we would stay in the restaurant and talk and talk.  She hosted several sleepovers during our high school years and we would talk all night.  Susan was so fun to talk to; she had some interesting stories and after she completed her degrees, talking to her was even more theraputic. I'm sure she was a really great therapist.  We already miss you, Susan.


02/25/23 07:39 PM #7    

Marilyn Miller (Cox)

Today, while I was shoveling snow, the thought came to me that Susan wanted me to share this memory.  This was my favorite therpy she gave me the first time we got together after my husband died. 

At the end of the visit, Susan said, "I love how your eyes sparkled when you were talking about your husband."

Thanks, Susan!


02/26/23 07:38 PM #8    

Leann Shurtleff (Cordon)

I was so sorry to hear about Susan!  She was a great girl and a friend to so many.  Always smiling and genuinely interested in everyone.  In spite of some hard times in her life, she kept a positive outlook and reached out to others to offer help and comfort. She must have been an amazing therapist!  She had a way of bringing out the best in everyone she met.  I always looked forward to seeing her and will miss her very much.  I wish her other friends and family all the best; much comfort, and memories that continue to make them smile. I know how much you all meant to Susan!  She was so proud of her family. 


02/28/23 11:25 AM #9    

Lana Mitchell

I am a strong believer that people come into our lives at a time when we need them or they us.  Susan and I had been friends since our days at Union Elementary.  I moved to Murray during jr. high years but found myself back at Hillcrest in my Junior and Senior years where Susan and I reconnected. 

After high school we lost touch with each other.  Each moving to different states.  However, 50 years later serendipity and fate connected us again.  Susan knew I was in Arizona as was one of her daughters.  We got together every time Susan visited her daughter. We talked of a dream girls trip to Italy where she promised to show me the ropes.  We shared our wisdom, our family and life stories, laughed and cried together.  It was a sweet salve for both of us.

We had just texted on Super Bowl Sunday talking about how cute the KC quarterback was.  We were to try and talk the next day.  That next day slipped thru our fingers without connecting, but I had a mental note I needed to get back in touch.  I am sorry we never got to have that last conversation.  She will always be with me, and I will always remember one of her comments to me: “Lana, if they knew how beautiful it was in heaven, there would be a stampede of everyone trying to get in.”


02/28/23 11:51 PM #10    

Dan Holladay

Susan what a great person! At our last reunion she gave me some sound advice on how to deal with mental illness with one of my sons. I will be forever grateful for her concern, guidance and advice. She went out of her way to help. Thanks you Susan you will be missed!

03/01/23 12:52 PM #11    

John Horsley

Such wonderful sentiment from your friends Susan. I didn't know you personally, too shy and obscure, but I remember the pep rallies and how beautiful all you girls were in your glorious green and white cheerleader outfits. From the little bit I have read about you here on this page, it sounds like you had a great productive, meaningful life, and now your reward comes. My sincere condolences to the family, they will surely miss you. The '69 Huskie's seasons are growing ever short, we're definitely on the back nine now. God bless you all.


03/02/23 10:23 AM #12    

Sharon Greenwall (Peterson)

I was so saddened to hear of Susan's passing. Just recently I have wanted to call her and something would always come up. We need to do things right when we think of it!  Susan was a good friend. I loved hearing that she was coming in to town. She was always so happy even when she was faced with hard things.  I will miss her. My love goes out to her family. 


03/05/23 02:10 PM #13    

Mike Whiteley

I have known Susan since we were in Middle School together.  She was always a good friend.  She will be missed.  Mike Whiteley

 

 


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