Donna Emma Kuske

Donna Emma Kuske, 83, of Astoria, died Thursday, April 28, 2011 at her home in Astoria. She was born to Mattie and John Swaim Sept 16, 1927, in High Point, North Carolina.

She married Robert Kuske on September 5, 1953 and enjoyed 52 happy years of marriage with him before he died on July 2, 2006.

Mrs. Kuske received her Registered Nursing degree in Richmond, Virginia and practiced nursing throughout her life, including after she moved to Astoria in 1975 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.

She was a member and held various positions in the American Legion Auxiliary, La Societe de Femme, and 40/8.

Family members describe her as a cheerful, loving, vivacious woman who was always willing to lend a hand or share a smile. She loved to sew and spend time with her family.

Mrs. Kuske is survived by son Dr. Robert R. Kuske of Scottsdale, AZ, son Stephen and daughter-in-law Shelley Kuske of Sherwood, OR, son Patrick Kuske and daughter-in-law Mareva Brown of Sacramento, CA, daughter Cecilia and son-in-law Matthew Owens of Columbus, IN, daughter Theresa and son-in-law William Gander of Astoria, OR, daughter-in-law Pam Kuske of Rock Springs, WY, and daughter Martha and son-in-law Stephen Traynor of Emerald Hills, CA as well as 17 grandchildren: Alison, Robert, and Cameron Kuske, Jack and Andrew Stetler, Michael, James and Katie Gander, Kimberly Bellamy, Emily Garcia, Sean and Ryan Traynor, Brandon and Evan Kuske, and Chloe, Emma and Tristan Kuske, and 1 great grandchild, Oliver Bellamy.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Katherine Swaim, her husband Robert Kuske, who died on July 2, 2006 and her son Wayne Kuske, who died on August 4, 2006.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6pm Friday, May 6th at Caldwell's Luce Layton Mortuary in Astoria. Mass of Christian burial will be at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church at 1491 Grand Ave. in Astoria at 11:00am on Saturday, ?May 7th. Graveside services will be at Ocean View Cemetery in Warrenton. ?A reception will follow at St. Mary's Star of the Sea School auditorium.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 1465 Grand Ave., Astoria, or Lower Columbia Hospice, 486 12th St., Astoria.