Zsuzsana (Zsuzsi) Maria Starkloff of Steamboat Springs, age 83, passed away Friday, May 1 at home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1936. In 1956 she escaped the communist regime that was infiltrating her homeland and came to the USA as a refugee. She was very proud to earn her American citizenship and start a new life in her adopted country. She spent the first few years working as a successful model in New York and then an international flight attendant. Soon after, she earned her pilot certificate and went on to become a top tier flight instructor and commercial pilot. In 1985 she moved to Steamboat and started her own real estate rental company. She is survived by her life partner, Don Sundin of Steamboat, her daughter, Andrea Watson of Texas, her sister, Judith Lehel of Steamboat, and her grandsons DJ Anderson of Steamboat, and David Watson of Texas. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation or the Children's Hospital Colorado – Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. A private celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.