Sue Santos

Donnie Susanne "Sue" Santos Sue Santos was an angel among us. She was a caring, loving person who found the positive and joy in all people and situations. She made everyone feel special and important. Sue shared her joyful heart and spirit with all of her family, friends, and hundreds of students. Sue Santos was born in Champaign, Illinois. She lived her childhood days in the Modesto area with her parents and 5 siblings. She was always a loving caretaker, being the oldest of 6 kids. She met the love of her life, Bob Santos, in high school on a blind date set up by Debbie Albino, and married on May 16, 1964. Mom went to Downey; Bob went to Modesto High! She worked at Mamie’s Soda Shop and at the Tropics Motel, where she modeled for their postcard in 1965! She had her kids in CA: Suzette in 1964 and Ed in 1969. With the CA teaching shortage in 1970, they all moved to Illinois so Bob could find work. They lived in Olney, Illinois from 1970-1980, meeting many lifelong friends. Her priority was raising her family and helping others. She was the best mom to her children–always supporting, loving and guiding them through life. She had many jobs working with special needs students and adults. She and her family moved back to Turlock in 1980, where Sue went to work helping high school students at Ceres High, later as a bank teller/trainer for American Savings. She decided to go back to college at CSU, Stanislaus and graduated with honors and a teaching credential. She taught first grade at Caswell and Westport for many years. She devoted her life to family, friends and teaching. She wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of children. Students, families and staff loved her. She was an amazing teacher, giving her all in every lesson and activity. She did a lot of extra assignments where she helped train other teachers with new curriculum. She was able to job share with her daughter for several years. She started collecting and distributing books and bears for the needy, giving hundreds of packages to USF for Christmas gifts for the needy. She was a proud member of Alpha Delta Kappa, a philanthropic teacher sorority (treasurer). She also worked as a volunteer at United Samaritans, distributing clothing and serving food at the homeless shelter. Her love for others was endless. Her love for her husband was undeniable. Sue and Bob loved being members of the Moose Club and Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Dancing was a passion over the years for them; they loved country 2-step dancing. They traveled around the world together. Little and big trips were a focus of their time together and with the family. The ocean trips were her favorite! Sue loved her kids and their families. She made everyone’s life better. She was the rock for her siblings, her family and her loved ones. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. She lit up when family came over for dinners or activities. Her positive energy and creative influence has inspired each new generation of the family; the inspiring light will continue to shine bright for generations to come. Her hobbies included antiquing, traveling, doll collecting, cooking, gambling, dancing and art projects of many kinds. She loved reading and her time with her book club friends. Monthly luncheons with her sisters, dance friends or cousins were always a highlight. Visits with her best friend Kay were something she enjoyed planning and looked forward to throughout the years. Sue passed away knowing her family loved her. We will miss her smile, positivity and joy for life. She is now free of pain and suffering. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jean Thompson; and brother, Mark Dickinson. She is survived by her husband, Bob Santos; children, Suzette Stavrianoudakis (Nick) and Ed Santos (Jacque); grandchildren, Alex Stavrianoudakis (Monica), Anthony Stavrianoudakis, Jack and Daphne Santos; and her siblings, Jon Dickinson (Arlene), Peggy Dickinson, Marcia Thompson and Chuck Dickinson (Vicki). In lieu of flowers, Sue requested donations be made to: Jessica’s House in Turlock. Make a difference for a child in her name. Donate here: https://www.jessicashouse.org/donate or contributions may also be mailed to Jessica’s House P.O. Box 1712 Turlock, CA 95381. Her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1st at Turlock Funeral Home on 425 N. Soderquist Rd. at 10:00 a.m.

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Sue Santos

June 15, 1946 - September 17, 2022