Susan Lynn Altopiedi's Obituary
Susan Lynn Altopiedi
April 15, 1953-March 2, 2024
Altopiedi (nee Maharay), Susan Lynn, 70, of Tampa passed away on March 2, 2024. She was born in Newburgh, NY and graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 1971. She relocated to Tampa with her family, husband Phil and daughters Kimberly and Rebecca, in 1978.
Susan worked as a sous chef at the Tampa Club for 8 years, before opening and operating the family-run Tumbleweed Café for 7 years. She was employed by Home Depot for 20 years in their Customer Service Department at the time of her passing. Susan’s true passion was caring for her family and grandchildren, and the many friends she made throughout her life. She was an avid reader, cared for with great love and kindness any stray animal that came into her life and enjoyed spending time playing board and card games with her children and grandchildren, followed by a home-cooked meal. Her laughter was infectious, she always had time to listen and provide advice and there wasn’t a cooking or baking questions she couldn’t answer.
Susan is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Dawn Altopiedi (Joseph Chappell) and Rebecca Sarah Houchins (John); beloved grandchildren Amber Taylor Johnson, Ryan Anthony Johnson, Emilee Sierra Johnson and Daniel Joseph Lindsey, all of Tampa; sisters Lisa J. Polen, Sharon A. Leary and Julia E. Coss (Jonathan); brothers Terry E. Diller (Patricia), Michael M. Vazquez (Christine) and Matthew E. Vazquez; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 39 years, Philip J. Altopiedi, Jr.; her parents, Jean I. Vazquez (nee Maher) and William E. Maharay; her stepfather, Julio E. Vazquez; and her brother, Jeffrey M. Vazquez.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 29th at the Boza & Roel Funeral Home (4730 North Armenia Ave, Tampa 33603). This is a casual celebration please come at your will to share in stories and to pay your respects. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any Animal Rescue charity of your choice.
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