A funeral was held Oct. 20, 2003, at Saint Sergius and Herman Valaam in Nanwalek where she was buried at the cemetery. Following the service her family and friends gathered at the school for a dinner followed by a beautiful pink balloon release in her honor

She was born in New York City on June 3, 1952, to George and Carmella Parisi.

Her family said, "She was a woman with all the roles a woman can hold, and so much more.

"Susan was a special daughter, the greatest sister, a loving wife, a caring mother, a wonderful cook, a beautiful emma, a true friend, and a very, very, strong fighter."

Susan was a KPBSD cook for 21 years at the Nanwalek School and she was feeding a second generation of children. She worked until the end, never seeing retirement in sight. She began her days at 7:30 a.m., volunteering to do a breakfast program. She believed that every child should have a good breakfast to start the school day.

Susan was the president of the Saint Sergius and Herman of Valaam sisterhood for many years. Four days out of the week she opened the gym for ladies night and co-ed night. She held activities for young children on Saturday afternoons. Every summer she held a summer activities program for young children. Twice a year she organized the tournaments, she helped coordinate Thanksgiving dinner, prom, carnival, Sea Week and all other activities at the school.

When she wasn't busy at her second school (Nanwalek School) she spent time with her family and true friends. Her grandchildren Carmella Tanape and Seth Tanape were her pride and joy. She also loved her animals, believing there's a heaven for them. She enjoyed going out on the boat with her husband of 34 years, Nick.

Susan touched many lives wherever she went and in many different ways. Susan always took time to listen, console, and advise all that came to her.

Ever since she was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 1999, she was a strong advocate of breast cancer awareness, spreading information at health fairs. Susan worked at health fairs spreading breast cancer awareness and holding breast cancer teas. She was always willing to talk to anyone who had questions. Throughout her battle she didn't dwell on her illness, keeping a positive attitude that she was going to be a survivor.

"Susan will always hold a special place in all our hearts as our guardian angel," her family said.

Her husband said, "She was just like a sun catcher, her radiance touched us all, like the sun shines through the sun catcher."

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Carmella Parisi.

She is survived by her husband Nick Tanape Sr., daughter Christine Seville, son Nick Tanape Jr., brother Jimmy Parisi, sister Ann Fhilipone, grandchildren Carmella and Seth Tanape, daughter-in-law Kilann Tanape, son-in-law Kevin Seville and many godchildren, nieces, nephews, and a very special circle of friends extending to the east coast.