Suzanne Madeleine Otto, age 93, of Laguna Woods, California, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 30, 2026. Her long and remarkable life spanned continents, languages, and eras of profound change, yet she carried through it all a gentle spirit, a sharp mind, and a deep devotion to her family and faith.

Early Life

Suzanne was born on February 4, 1932, in Strasbourg, France, to Josef Skiera and Stephanie Klamecka Skiera. Though born in France, she grew up fluent in Polish and French, later mastering English as well. Her father served with the Polish Consulate in France, and during World War II, Suzanne spent her childhood in Angoulême in the French cognac region with her mother Stephanie and her brother Andre.

Those years were marked by hardship and resilience. While her father fought with the French–Polish forces and later found refuge in England, Suzanne worked, attended evening classes, babysat, and found joy in simple pleasures—biking, swimming, and spending time with friends. After the war, she, her mother, and her brother were finally able to reunite with Josef in Acton, London.

A Love Story and a New Beginning

At age 20, Suzanne met Ted Otto at a dance at the Polish Club in England. She was drawn to his optimism, helpful nature, and charm. After two years of courtship, Ted proposed with a dream: “We should get married and go to America, the land of dreams, the only place worthy of living and raising a family.”

They married on December 27, 1954, at the beautiful Brompton Oratory Church in London and traveled to the United States for their honeymoon. Seeing the Statue of Liberty moved Suzanne deeply, symbolizing hope and a new beginning. Her first impression of New York was, “it smelled of popcorn and gasoline”.

Passions, Talents, and Family Life

Suzanne loved walking, swimming, and especially flowers—lilacs, nasturtiums, violets, and lily of the valley. She had a lifelong passion for history, geography, writing essays, and painting delicate watercolor scenes of flowers and landscapes. She enjoyed the music of Edith Piaf and Yves Montand and treasured reading, with La Dame Blanche (The White Lady) among her favorite books.

A gifted cook, Suzanne mastered traditional Polish dishes: pierogis, gołąbki (cabbage rolls), bigos, and chruściki (powdered sugar pastries). Her signature dessert was Crêpe Suzette with a splash of Grand Marnier.

Suzanne and Ted raised two children, Mark and Christine, and were deeply involved in the Polish community and church. Family life was rich with camping trips to Yosemite, Hume Lake, and Wawona, as well as summers at Venice Beach, where Suzanne and other Polish mothers would chat endlessly and take refreshing swims in the Pacific. She volunteered as a cook at the annual Polish camp in the San Bernardino Mountains and served as a seamstress for Polish dance ensembles.

A devout Catholic, Suzanne was guided spiritually by Sister Saint Francis Xavier, whose mentorship shaped her faith throughout her life.

A Life Remembered

Suzanne will be remembered as a kind soul, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother (Brian, Michelle, Michael, Kristyna) who would do anything for her children and grandchildren. She lived with grace, humility, and gratitude, often reminding those around her that “simple pleasures are the best.”

Her warmth, resilience, and love will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

Service Information

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Laguna Woods on Friday, February 20th at 11:00 a.m.A committal service will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest, California. A private gathering for family and close friends will be held afterward at U Babci Polish Restaurant in Lake Forest.