Susan P. Schirra Arena
May 22, 2009
A memorial mass to celebrate the life of Susan P. Schirra Arena will be
held in the Holy Name of Jesus Church, on the corner of Froude Avenue and East
Elm Street, East Mountain on Saturday, June 27th at 11 a.m.
After a courageous battle with cancer, Susan passed away peacefully on
May 22nd, in Rochester, NY, at age 50, surrounded by her family.
She was born and raised in Scranton, the wife of James E. Arena, also
originally of Scranton. Susan was the
daughter of Cyril and Patricia Schirra, and daughter in law of Victor and Lenore
Arena, all of Scranton. Also surviving
are three children, Ashley, New York, NY, Lauren and Kyle, Webster, NY; a sister
Laurie Schirra, Dunmore; two brothers J. Michael and wife Mary Rose Schirra,
Moscow, Paul and wife Leanne Schirra, Scranton; in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins,
nieces, nephews and many friends.
Susan was a 1976 graduate of Scranton Central High School, a member of
Theta Sigma Mu Sorority and a 1981 graduate of the Pennsylvania State
University. Susan was a resident of the
Rochester, NY area since her marriage to James in 1982.
She was a member of the Peace of Christ
Parish and a committee member of Boy Scout Troop 260.
Susan’s greatest joy was her children and her family.
She was a very dedicated volunteer, who spent countless hours organizing
events, fundraising and just giving of her time and talents for her children’s
schools, for her church, and for other youth organizations.
Her volunteer efforts on behalf of the Diocesan Schools of Rochester
resulted in her receiving the Caroline Friess Award for outstanding contribution
to Catholic Schools in 1998.
Susan was a talented seamstress and she worked on many sewing projects
for her family and for others, including wedding parties, dance costumes for her
daughters’ dance studio, Halloween costumes, high school ball and prom gowns,
draperies and other home furnishings.
Susan asked for so little and gave so much.
Everyone she touched felt her love.
She will be missed by many.
The family will receive friends at the church between 10:30 and 11:00
a.m.
