Obituary of Susan Lalaguna

SUSAN SAYLORS LALAGUNA Mar. 27, 1938 - May 7, 2012 Susan Lalaguna passed away peacefully in her home on May 7, 2012, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. She was born in Long Beach, CA on March 27, 1938. Susan spent her youth in North Hollywood, and graduated from UC Santa Barbara. She went on to teach elementary school for 35 years, almost entirely in the Corning school district. She moved to Chico in 1977. She is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, John Lalaguna; brother, Bill Saylors; sons, Cliff and Bill Carter; mother-in-law, Vala Lalaguna; step-daughters, Lori Lalaguna and Shawna Lalaguna-Laird; son-in-laws, Alex Lindstrom and Adam Laird; daughter-in-laws, Peggy Carter and Leigh Carter; grandsons, Jeffrey and Nick; granddaughters, LeeAnne, Josephine, Penelope, and Fiona; brother-in-law, Larry Lalaguna; sister-in-laws, Marsha Saylors, Hazel Carter, and Kam Lalaguna; nieces, Wendy, Janine, Summer, Sunny, and nephews, Tim, Billy, Paul, Shawn, Troy, Trevor, and Tyler. This is a fraction of those who came to know Susan as a teacher, mentor, friend, and gentle soul, who lived life full of grace. Susan's greatest joys were teaching and spending time with her friends and family. She believed deeply in the power of laughter and love. The family would like to thank all those who supported us during Susan's illness, and a special thanks to the individual caregivers and to Butte Home Health Hospice for all their compassionate care of Susan. There will be a family gathering in early June to celebrate Susan's life and her remarkable impact on our lives. For those wishing to send flowers and letters of condolence, the family asks they instead consider sending a donation in Susan's name to: The Corning Union High School Memorial Scholarship Fund, attention Penny Whiting, 643 Blackburn Ave., Corning, CA 96021. The family has set up this scholarship fund to help advance the education of young teachers, a vocation whe believed to be one of the highest callings in society.