It is with profound sadness that the family of Carole Mae (Payne) Cusick of Naples, Florida announce her peaceful passing on February 22, 2023 in her home at the age of 86.
Carole was born to parents Charles and Clive (Raleigh) Payne in Evansville, Indiana on September 19th, 1936. She attended Benjamin Bosse High School in Evansville and graduated in 1954. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from Indiana University in 1958. She was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta at IU. In high school she met the love of her life, James Cusick. They were married in 1957 and were together until his death in 2008.
Carole was a 5th grade teacher in the Indianapolis area while supporting James’ medical school studies and starting their family. She loved raising her children, gardening, playing Bridge with friends and taking care of her homes. She and James loved traveling the world. Carole carried a love of reading throughout her life and was never more than a few paces away from a good novel.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Alan Cusick, MD and survived by her children, Kacia (John) Morris, David(Mika) Cusick, Daniel(Tonya) Cusick, and Jade Cusick; her grandchildren James Morris, Michael (Catherine )Morris, Joseph(Samantha) Morris, Caroline(James) Morris , Marika Cusick, Yuji Cusick, Jackson Cusick, and Alex Cusick; and great-grandchildren Peter, Matilda and Charles Morris.
The family is planning a private celebration of her life at a later date. Memorial donations can be directed to:
National Foundation for Transplants, Inc.
3249 W. Sarazens Cir Ste 100
Memphis, TN 38125