Susana Vandiver Nicassio

A mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 11am-12pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2250 Main St, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802. Burial will take place from 1pm – 2pm at the Louisiana National Cemetery in Port Hudson, 20978 Port Hickey Rd, Zachary, LA 70791.

Dr. Nicassio was born in Muskogee, OK, and from a young age fell in love with opera.

She trained as a classical soprano before pursuing her Ph.D. with a concentration in Italian History. She enjoyed a lifetime of travel and experiencing other cultures. Before making her home in Lafayette and teaching at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she followed her husband’s military career which took them to Dalkey, Ireland. While in Ireland, she was a writer, publishing many articles in newspapers and magazines.

Throughout her academic teaching career, she published many books and articles on Tosca’s Rome and the history of opera in New Orleans. When she wasn’t teaching, you would find her singing in the choir at St Edmond’s or Our Lady Of Wisdom. Upon retirement, she relocated to Dallas, Georgia, to be near her three grandchildren who were the light of her life.

Dr. Nicassio is preceded in death by her beloved husband Captain Anthony Robert Nicassio, as well as her parents, Clarence and Sari Vandiver, and her sister Nancy Nielsen.

She was the loving mother to her only child, a son, Alexander Nicassio (Kimberly Richardson) of Acworth, Ga, and three grandchildren, Alexandra Elise Nicassio, Colin Joseph Nicassio, and Annalise Anntoinette Nicassio. Beloved Aunt to Eric and Judy Nielsen, Robert and Cindy Nielsen, Susan Doiron, and Cindy Nielsen.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Alex, Alexandra, and Colin Nicassio, Troy Doiron, and Robert and Eric Nielsen.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Relief Services or Our Lady of Wisdom on the ULL campus.