Susan M. Massa

Susan Massa (Steinkamp) was born in Providence, RI to Alvin and Marion Steinkamp in March of 1946. She was a caring sister to Ronald, Vincent, John, and Marge. Susan’s beloved husband Frank Massa passed in 2011. Together they had one daughter, Andrea Mazzeo, 39, of Brewster.

She passed away June 11, 2024 after suffering courageously with dementia for seven years, with Andrea and her loving wife Aleks by her side. Her body and brain are no longer holding her beautiful soul hostage inside.

Her and Frank moved to Cape Cod in the early 70’s, and here is where her heart sang. Their home became a hub of warmth and hospitality, hosting countless gatherings for friends and family. Susan was in her element when she was cooking, baking, and entertaining. She loved to have fun and be silly, playing pranks on family members like turning the clocks ahead so they would think they overslept. She loved bringing people to Nauset Outer beach and many memories were made playing games, eating her famous meatball sandwiches and rolling down the dunes. Many Augusts were spent in Saratoga Springs, NY where she again hosted family and friends in between trips to the “track”. Susan loved bringing joy to kids lives and always came up with creative crafting ideas and ways to play for her daughter and friends. Ball pits, slip and slides, cook offs, and dancing performances just to name a few.

Susan worked at Stop and Shop in the 80’s and made friends with anyone and everyone she encountered. When her daughter was young she volunteered in the library at Brewster Elementary. Maybe she wanted to keep an eye on things, but she loved being around the kids. When Andrea was in 6th grade she went back to work as a Bookkeeper and later worked for Orleans Bowling Center and Fancy’s Produce, all the while connecting with people and enjoying learning about their lives.

Throughout her life, Susan’s dogs – Magic, Aldo, and Sammie – were cherished companions, and it is comforting to imagine them welcoming her on the other side.

She was cool and understated, but loved to try new things and experience life. She had a childlike innocence and awe about the world. She would cry easily when something moved her, a trait graciously passed down and embraced by her daughter. She laughed at herself and didn’t take herself too seriously. She was selfless and thoughtful and always did things for others before herself. She would make you feel special.

She always said that strangers would just come up to her and strike up conversations, but what she didn’t realize was that it was her own warm and inviting personality that drew people in.

A heartfelt thank you to Susan’s best friend and Andrea’s Godmother, Vere Murphy. A steadfast presence in their lives, she has been a support to the family through it all. The family is also endlessly grateful for the caregiving support provided by friends Erika and Marcela, and ultimately the staff at Bourne Manor and Continuum Hospice.

Visiting hours will be held Saturday June 22nd from 1:00-3 :00pm, with a short service at 3:00 pm at Nickerson Funeral Home in Orleans, MA.