Cancer survivor hangs up marking pen

AFTER 25 years of waking up and preparing for her day as the Grade Four teacher at Eden College in Morningside, Susan Mozzani says she is thankful to have been able to do what she loves for over 40 years of her life as teaching gave her so much fulfilment.

Now entering retirement, Mazzoni reminisces about her years as a teacher. Mazzoni worked in other primary schools before she settled at Eden College where she taught for 25 years.

Also read: Fabulous Reads: Dystopian sci-fi novel will leave you reeling

“I loved teaching my Grade Fours. I loved seeing their innocent smiles and answering their inquisitive questions which would always leave a smile on my face or just straight-up make me laugh,”
said Mozzani.

Unfortunately, in the midst of her career that has spanned decades, Mozzani was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer in 2012, and she was given just a few months to live. She and her husband decided to vacation in the United Kingdom in the summer of 2012 as doctors told them that Mozzani wouldn’t
make it to Christmas.

Also read:  Glenwood man seriously injured by family dog

“When I was diagnosed, I was given just a few months to live. It was a scary time in my life as I still wanted to see the world and spend more years as a teacher before I retired, but I just accepted my fate because as someone who grew up in the church and in a staunch Christian household, I had no fear of what would happen to me,” said Mozzani.

After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, Mozzani was again diagnosed with bone cancer, and this time, she refused to undergo chemotherapy and radiation.

“The thought of going through those pains again was just unbearable to me, and I couldn’t put myself and my body through that again as it took so much mentally – I just couldn’t anymore,” said Mazzoni.

Mazzoni ran a children’s club for seven years in Albert Park where she and her friends volunteered to teach vulnerable children who often wandered around the park. She also taught Sunday school on Russell Street on Sundays.

She never had any children of her own but says she’s proud that those who have gone through her hands have become responsible citizens of society who give back and love their community.

Also read: eThekwini Municipality to repatriate ancient mummy to Egypt

She has been married for 25 years to Michael Mazzoni, a music teacher. She says she hopes to enjoy her retirement at home, gardening but is also open to helping children, especially with mathematics, as teaching will always be her first love.

“I never aspired to be a head of department or principal because that would’ve meant less time interacting with the children, which is what I wanted and loved the most,” added Mazzoni.

A former colleague of Mazzoni, Greta Peens, said, “Sue was an amazing teacher and colleague. She
always made time to support and share her wisdom with everyone.”

Mozzani says anyone who wishes to become a teacher, must do it from the heart as the job is
very fulfilling and rewarding, but it is hard work so it needs plenty of heart.

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.