Susan Kaye Dorso (James), age 78, of Venice, FL, passed away on March11, 2026. Susan was preceded in death by her father, Gregg W. James. Susan lived a wonderful life centered on family and her large group of friends. She was an excellent hostess and cook. She opened her home often and fed all of her guests well. She was also an avid card player, establishing a local card group of women that became like family. Susan was one of the original clothing and shoe buyers for Scheels in Fargo, North Dakota, where she raised two children predominantly on her own. On June 6, 1988, she married the love of her life, John M. Dorso, blending two families of 6 children. Susan supported John and his work by becoming a successful meeting planner for the heavy duty transportation industry.

Susan and John travelled the world, golfed, boated, entertained, and played a lot of cards (including a ritual morning gin game that she occasionally let John win). Most of all, they loved and took care of one another in a way that should inspire us all. One of Susan’s greatest pleasures was being a grandmother, fondly known as “Ma Sue” to her 14 grandchildren. She was the fun grandma, always arranging games, playing in the pool, and sneaking treats to the kids.

Susan is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, John, who was at her bedside as she passed; daughters Amy and Danielle; sons Todd (Ali), Victor, Louis (Angie) and Carmen (Elodie); grandchildren Charlie, John, Colin, Jackson, Alexander, Zachary, Derrick, Dominic, Tessa, Molly, Sophia, Audrey, Ava, and Dominic. Also at her beside were her sisters, Nancy and Julie, and her beloved mother, Dorothy aged 98. Dorothy and Susan are now in heaven together as Dorothy passed three weeks to the date of her daughter. We miss them both terribly but are comforted by the fact that they are together as always and forever. Susan’s funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on April, 17th, at Our Lady of Lourdes, Venice, Florida. A light lunch at the Dorso residence, 822 Carnoustie Drive, will immediately follow the mass. Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society, Wounded Warriors or Tidewell Hospice.