Aileen Hazel Kusch

Aileen Hazel Kusch, age 102, passed away on January 21, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. She was born on December 1, 1921, in Carney, Michigan, to the late Gust and Blanda Peterson family. Aileen was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt.

Aileen will be remembered as a kind and loving Christian woman who devoted her life to God, her family, and friends. She cherished her 102 years and often marveled at the incredible experiences she had witnessed throughout her lifetime. Aileen had a witty sense of humor and loved engaging in conversations over a cup of coffee. When asked about her favorite things in life, Aileen would often say, "I love babies and flowers, but babies most of all."

Aileen met Lloyd Kusch when he lived in a boarding house across the street from her in Rockford, IL His landlord introduced them and they fell in love. They were married in Rockford, IL on January 30, 1960.

Aileen began her career at a collection agency in Green Bay, WI, before working as a personal secretary at the Morley Murphy Company. After relocating to Portland, Oregon, with her husband, she worked at Jantzen Sportswear. Aileen then dedicated her time to being a homemaker, providing her three children with a wonderful childhood. During her retirement years, she cherished taking care of her grandchildren.

In her youth, Aileen attended Bethel Covenant Church in Wallace, MI. After moving to Portland, she and Lloyd worshipped at First Covenant Church and later attended Portland Foursquare with their children.

Outside of her family and career, Aileen found joy in various hobbies. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, reading, baking cookies, pies, and fruitcake, and tending to her garden. Her favorite flowers were Cosmos and Dahlias. Aileen also enjoyed feeding and observing the birds and squirrels in her backyard. She had a hidden passion for sports and would eagerly watch the Seahawks and Trail Blazers whenever she had the chance.

Aileen was laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Lloyd W. Kusch, at Willamette National Cemetery.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Price and Janice Lane, and their husbands, David and Darrell; and her son, Mark Kusch. Aileen is also survived by her stepsons, Jim Kusch, Tom Kusch, and John Kusch and his wife Laurie; her grandchildren, Brooke, Alexa, Nick, Angela, Josh, Ryan, Erica, and Samantha; and her great-grandchildren, Rynlee, Harper, Stella, Magnolia, Flint, Camryn, and Ashleigh. Additionally, Aileen is survived by her sister, Evelyn Newlin, and many nieces and nephews.

In honoring the life of Aileen Hazel Kusch, we remember her unwavering faith, love for her family, and the joy she brought to those around her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts.