It is with great woe that we announce the passing of Susan Cristina Trani Klodt. Susan was born in San Pedro, California, on December 18, 1945, of Italian/German descent to Garmino (Thomas) Trani and Louise Augustina Cristina Trani. She passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the age of 80, in her beloved home in the City of Long Beach, California, where she resided for 54 years. She is survived by her two sons, James and Jason; her daughter-in-law, Miurel; the two lights of her life, grandchildren Mia and Maks; her sisters Lynn and Margaret; and nieces and nephews Nancy, Craig, Leah,Jerry, Jenny and Josh. She was preceded in death by Jim Klodt, her beloved husband of 47 years.

Susan was a great mother and loving grandmother. Yet above all else, she will always be remembered as a great teacher and educator. She spent most of her 33-year career teaching second grade for the Long Beach Unified School District at various schools including U.S. Grant, John Muir, Thomas Edison, and Peter Burnett. She had a welcoming candor about her. When students' parents came to visit her or ask her questions, she invited them into her classroom and taught them, too. Education was everything to Susan. She relished the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her students and their families. She often said, "Give me a group of students, and I will teach them."

Susan earned a Bachelor's from Cal State Long Beach and a Master's from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She earned a K-8 teaching credential and a bilingual education credential. She was a life ong member of CTA and NEA. Calif Teachers Association and National Education Association, and an active member of the Long Beach Teachers Association. Susan used her expertise and credentials not only to educate traditional students but also to teach English to Spanish-speaking learners. Driven by her belief that education is a fundamental right, she worked to ensure that everyone had the opportunity to learn, regardless of their background. A statement made commonly by people Susan met throughout her life and career was that she always treated them as equals. She welcomed them with open arms and made them feel a part of something. She was never judgmental or prejudiced.

Susan was loving and helpful, full of great stories, hard truths, and a wink of humor to impart her wisdom on others. When her youngest son was offered a supervisory position at his job, Susan told him, “If you make it difficult for someone to ask you a question, then it's going to be your f’n fault!” Susan valued the qualities that make a great leader; she sought to help everyone realize the potential that lives within.

Susan taught her two sons, James and Jason, to be individuals. Susan was deeply involved in their education and supported them in extracurricular activities and sporting events. She was extremely proud of her two boys. She was tough, but love is tough, a lesson she instilled in both of them.

A mother of two sons, Susan always wanted a daughter. When her younger son was born, a nurse told Susan that she would have a granddaughter one day. Mia was that granddaughter. When Susan first saw Mia, she melted with happiness and delight. She felt as though Heaven and Earth became the same place. She frequently took Mia on trips. Disneyland became their special place for many years. When her grandson Maks was born, Heaven and Earth once again became one. They bonded over Star Wars. As her grandchildren grew older into their middle school and high school years, Susan fought through rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, an elbow replacement, knee replacement, hip replacement, and ankle fusion to make it to as many activities as she could.

Susan was a devout Catholic with a great love of the Church. Many years were spent at St. Joseph’s Parish and School in Long Beach. Susan felt most grounded at church, helping with the sacraments of Holy Communion, Confirmation, and marriage, and volunteering at special events. She felt profound love for the families she met within her church community.

Susan was full of love, energy, and joy. She maintained an active and social life throughout her days. She can now rest and be with the love of her life, Jim Klodt, her dearest friend María Lourdes Vásquez, and all those she loved who have preceded her in death. The legacy of Mrs. Klodt, as many know her, especially those who had the pleasure of her tutelage, will continue in the lives of the many people she touched so dearly.