Susan Larese-Casanova

Stonington — Susan (Dashkiwsky) Larese-Casanova, 75, of Stonington, passed away unexpectedly at home Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023.

Born March 30, 1947, in Innsbruck, Austria, she was the daughter of the late Stephan and Olga Dashkiwsky. At the young age of 5, she came to the United States through Ellis Island in 1952, settling with her family in Philadelphia, Pa., where she attended school, graduating from St. Basil’s Academy, a Ukrainian school for girls. Following high school, she attended the Goldey Beacom Business School.

After moving from Pennsylvania, she relocated to Mystic, where she became well-known as the founder and original owner of Kitchen Little Restaurant, creating unique and delicious breakfast combinations that customers were willing to wait in long lines for; there were even times Sue’s daughter Michelle, who waited for the bus right outside the restaurant, had to get her lunch money from one of the regulars in line, as it was so busy she couldn’t get inside to see her Mom before the bus came (of course it was deducted from their bill!).

It was also in Mystic that Susan met Renato Larese-Casanova. They married Dec. 31, 1986, recently celebrating 36 years of marriage. After the sale of Kitchen Little, Renato and Susan remained in Mystic, raising their blended family.

Susan loved being outside tending to her meticulously maintained yard, spending time with family and friends, especially during Sunday breakfasts or Ukrainian holidays, where she passed down her knowledge of making traditional Ukrainian dishes such as pierogi, holubtsi and paska. She was incredibly compassionate, had an amazing sense of humor and quick wit, and always enjoyed a good joke, good music and a good bourbon (but just a little). Susan will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

In addition to her husband, Renato, she leaves her daughter, Michelle Banks, and her husband, Donald; beloved granddaughter, Ava Morosini; her step-grandchildren, Rachel, Sam and Molly Banks; stepson, Andrew Larese-Casanova, wife, Eleanor, grandchildren Rowan and Logan; stepson Mark Larese-Casanova, wife, Amy, grandchildren, Griffin, Madi and Henry; stepson Philip Larese-Casanova, wife, Beesan and grandson, Ewan. She is also survived by two brothers, Roman Dashkiwsky and wife, Jamie, and Daniel Dashkiwsky and wife, Brenda; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews she held very close to her heart. Susan was predeceased by a brother, Eugene Dashkiwsky.

Funeral services for Susan will be held privately.