Suzanne Catherine Cairo

Suzanne Catherine Cairo (née Jones), 92, of San Diego, California, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on October 24, 2025. She was born on June 27, 1933, in South Gate, California, the beloved daughter of the late Richard Dow and Cynthia Jones (née Nolan), and the devoted wife of the late Benedetto Samuel Cairo Sr. She was predeceased by her sister Joanne Pevehouse Weber (née Jones) and brother Richard Jones, and is survived by her sister, Linda Grande (née Jones).

Suzanne was a loving mother to Benedetto Cairo Jr., his girlfriend Susan, William Cairo, his wife Paige, Robert Cairo, his wife Cara, and the late Rebecca Cairo and Baby Mary Magdelene Cairo. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Nicholas (Michelle), Christopher (Amy), Anthony, Angelina, Jasper, Julian, and a cherished great-grandmother to Delilah, Gemma, Grant, and Madison.

Deeply devoted to her family, Suzanne found her greatest joy as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. During her children’s younger years, she was an active Hilltopper’s Little League team mother and a Cub Scout den leader. She later earned her associate degree and cosmetology license—all while raising her family, who always came first. Suzanne took immense pride in her loved ones and cherished every moment spent together. Guided by her strong Catholic faith, she lived a life of compassion, always ready to offer comfort, encouragement, and kindness to those in need.

Suzanne’s radiant smile could light up any room, and her sense of humor and spunky personality brought joy to everyone around her. She was generous, caring, and endlessly supportive of family and friends alike.

She loved to travel and fondly recalled trips to Europe and Australia with her beloved husband, Ben. Suzanne also enjoyed spending time at the Del Mar Racetrack, cheering on the horses with family and friends. An avid bowler and proud member of the 200 Club, she formed many lifelong friendships through her bowling league. She was also a talented artist who found joy in watercolor painting and other creative pursuits.

A lifelong sports fan, she especially loved cheering for her hometown team, the San Diego Padres. In her younger years, she enjoyed horseback riding with her father on her black-and-white paint horse through the trails near their South Gate farmhouse. She treasured summers at the family’s beach house nestled in the sand at Newport Beach, California. Suzanne worked for several years as a secretary for a steel company in Los Angeles, where she met the love of her life, Ben.

Suzanne’s legacy is one of love, laughter, faith, and family — a life well-lived and deeply cherished by all who knew her.

Services:

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Suzanne’s life at The Immaculata Catholic Church, 5998 Alcalá Park Way, San Diego, CA 92110 (on the USD campus), on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

A Celebration Reception will follow at The Brigantine at Portside Pier, 1360 N Harbor Drive, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Inurnment will be private.