Suzanne (Lanzano) Hetric

Suzanne Hetric, 78, died on March 25, 2026, at Yale New Haven Hospital. She passed away peacefully while her beloved husband was sitting beside her.

Suzanne was born Suzanne Lanzano on November 20, 1947, in Manhattan, New York, to the late Michael and Joan (Morris) Lanzano. She was a lifelong learner with a deep passion for understanding the world around her. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Geography from Southern Connecticut State University and her Master’s degree in Geography from SUNY Binghamton. She also pursued doctoral studies in geography at Kent State University in Ohio.

Suzanne shared her love of learning as a geography teacher for several years, inspiring others with her curiosity and knowledge. She had a special passion for cartography and delighted in creating her own maps. In addition, she was an exceptionally skilled seamstress who took great pride in her work, having trained in sewing in New York and mastering the art of tailoring.

She and her husband, Deane, were active members of the Sleeping Giant State Park Association in Hamden, where they dedicated their time and energy before her illness.

Suzanne is survived by her devoted husband, Deane Hetric, of Cheshire, who cared for her with unwavering love and compassion, ensuring her comfort and safety throughout her illness. She is also survived by her brother, Michael R. Lanzano and his wife Susan Lanzano; sister Joan A. Marsh and her husband Robert E. Marsh; her sister-in-law Amanda L. Hetric; and her nephew Michael M. Lanzano and his companion Mary Helen Davis, as well as her great-niece Elizabeth Eve Lanzano.

Deane would like to thank Suzanne's two home health aides, Gifty Pokuaa and Luz López Román, who helped him to care for her. Because of their love for her and their attentiveness to her needs, she was able to stay at home almost until the end of her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Suzanne’s memory may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at www.theaftd.org.

Suzanne will be remembered for her intellect, creativity, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life.

Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to care for Suzanne and assist her family during their grief journey. Please leave your condolences, memories, and words of comfort on Suzanne's Tribute Wall on this page. 

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