Beloved wife, mother, sister, and educator, Susan Lantz Calhoun entered into her eternal rest on September 1, 2026 at the age of 70. Born in Hanford California on March 20, 1956 to Madalyn and John Jacinto Jr., her birthday is the first day of Spring and she brought that warmth and cheer to all of our lives. The eldest of five, Susie always looked out for her siblings and tried to help them in any way she could. She had fond childhood memories of riding in the truck with her dad, family trips to the mountains, and summers spent at her grandmother’s house.
A life-long resident of Hanford, Susan loved her home town. She graduated from Hanford High School where she cheered on the Pep Squad, worked on the Meteor, and served as editor of the Janus. At Hanford High, she met and fell in love with her high school sweetheart, David Lantz. They were married a few years later and had one daughter, Dawna. Susan was a devoted and loving mother and wife. She supported any activity that Dawna was involved in, and not just during her childhood. In later years, when Dawna started playing dog sports, Susan got her own dog and joined the same flyball team! They had fun playing together for several years.
Susan had been attending college after she graduated high school, when Dawna’s arrival put a pause on her education; but eleven years later, Susan returned to college and earned her bachelor’s degree and teaching credential, attending classes at night while working full-time as the Kit Carson school librarian and taking care of her family. Dawna couldn’t have had a better example of hard work, dedication, or the value of education. Susan’s teaching career spanned 27 years; she taught at Kit Carson School in Hanford and at Mark Twain Elementary and Bret Harte Elementary in Corcoran. Susan was called to be a teacher; countless children learned to read, honed their math skills, and gained self-confidence under her instruction and care.
After her first husband passed, Susan fell in love with and married John Calhoun. She adored him. They enjoyed travelling around California and hosting 4th of July for family and friends. She has missed him keenly since his passing. Susan was devoted to her Catholic faith. After retirement, she attended mass every day of the week and served at Adoration Chapel, taught Catechism, and worked with Catholic Daughters.
Susan is survived by her daughter, Dawna Lantz. Susan also leaves behind sisters, Judy Costa; Jeanette Jacinto; brother, Rob and AJ Jacinto Rodriguez; and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Madalyn and John Jacinto Jr.; brother, John Jacinto III; brother-in-law, Manuel Costa; husband, David Lantz; and husband, John Calhoun.
Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16th from 4-8 pm with Rosary at 6pm at People’s Funeral Chapel; 501 N Douty St. Hanford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 17th at St. Brigid’s Church at 10:30am; 1001 N Douty St. Hanford. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Please join the family for a reception at Hanford Fraternal Hall following the graveside service.
The family would like to thank Hinds Hospice Home in Fresno for their amazing care and compassion.
