Suzanne S. Farina

Born on July 23, 1938, in Okeechobee, Florida, to the late Lucille and Carl Stello, Suzanne lived a life of service, learning, and love. A proud graduate of Leon High School in Tallahassee and Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, she devoted more than 40 years to shaping young minds as an elementary school teacher. Her teaching career began at the Maxwell Air Force Base School in Montgomery and continued in Pensacola before she returned home to Tallahassee. She taught at Woodville Elementary, Caroline Brevard Elementary, and Buck Lake Elementary.

After she retired, Suzanne started substitute teaching at Buck Lake, where she became affectionately known as “The Candy Lady” for her sweet spirit and the candy she shared with her students. She also had another name at Buck Lake, courtesy of two of her grandchildren who attended the school. "Mamu" could be heard in the hallways, across stores, at the park. Children and adults alike, loved Mamu. Not Mrs. Farina, but "Mamu".

Beyond the classroom, Suzanne was an active member of Tallahassee Heights Methodist Church and found joy in traveling, walking, reading, cheering on FSU football, eating out, playing dominoes with family, and, most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her husband, Sebastian Farina, and her parents, Lucille and Carl Stello. She is survived by her son, Hank Vinson (Kelly) of Tallahassee; stepchildren Pete Farina of Washington, D.C., Steve Farina of Tampa, Susan Farina Welsh of Virginia, and Stacey Ray of Clermont; grandchildren Joshua Vinson and Madison Bergeron (Justin) of Tallahassee; and step-grandchildren Lauren Hogge (Scott), Chelsea Welsh (Joshua), Sarah Southall, Hunter Ray, Mason Ray, and Sofia Ray.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Suzanne’s honor to Big Bend Hospice, Inc.