Obituary for Roberta Jean Kusch
Roberta "Bobbi" Kusch, 89, of Jamul, CA, passed away on July 04, 2022 at home from complications of heart failure. She expressed she felt "complete" after a phone call from her great grand-daughter whom she'd only ever met in photographs, and was ready to go.
Bobbi was born on January 15, 1933 to Jesse W. Cogley and Ethel Cornelison in Braddock, Pennsylvania. After graduating from high school Bobbi attended Robert Morris School in 1952.
She met Jack K. Kusch, and they wed in July 1955. Bobbi's marriage and working life took her to Fort Lauderdale, FL where all her children were born, Laura, Jeff, Jon and Eric. Dad's work later moved them to Atlanta's Stone Mountain. Retirement saw them relocate to a hilltop home in Kimberling City, MO. Lastly she settled in Jamul, CA.
Bobbi loved being a mom and excelled at propping up members of her family and supporting them through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. Whether that was feeding the many school friends and exchange students we hosted or supporting her children's passions, she made it her mission to improve the lives of others, and to make sure our home, although cluttered, was always welcoming. There was "always room for 1 more at the table." Music was her hobby, and she actively participated in the Sunset Presbyterian Church choir, and later in Atlanta with their Community Chorus. Bobbi went back to school, feeling a need to do more, and graduated from Broward Community College's Nursing program in 1970. She loved being an RN and worked night shift so she could still be around for her children during the day. An avid reader, she volunteered at the library in Kimberling City, MO where she and my dad had settled into retirement. Later, in California, after she couldn't drive, I would get her 5-6 library books/week starting in the A's. I was up to the N's before she stopped being able to read….a great frustration for her. Bobbi was an active philanthropist after she retired, passionate about helping the underprivileged or other societal ills. She gave to every bleeding heart cause, even if it was only a $1, putting her on mass mail/phone solicitations that continue to pour in-ha! She was most proud that she raised a daughter and 3 sons that found happiness and success in the world. She felt truly blessed and despite great distances, her kids and grandkids kept in touch. Her family and grandkids all referred to her as "the Queen", a title she relished. We will miss her greatly.
Bobbi was predeceased by her husband Jack in 1999, when she relocated to live in California with her daughter Laura's family. She is survived by sisters: Peg Lunn of Columbia, SC and Barb Trexler, of Pittsburgh, PA and brother Jesse Cogley of San Antonio, TX, daughter Laura Gonzales of Jamul, CA, sons: Jeff Kusch, Knoxville, TN; Jon Kusch, Conyers, GA; and Eric Kusch, Lilburn, GA. In addition, she is survived by 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Her remains were cremated and will be distributed to her sons and daughter in beloved hippos that she collected and proudly displayed. Please go to the website for East County Mortuary to view the full obituary and photos. You can add additional commentary or upload other photos as well. The family is discussing a possible reunion next year as a celebration of life.
Bobbi was born on January 15, 1933 to Jesse W. Cogley and Ethel Cornelison in Braddock, Pennsylvania. After graduating from high school Bobbi attended Robert Morris School in 1952.
She met Jack K. Kusch, and they wed in July 1955. Bobbi's marriage and working life took her to Fort Lauderdale, FL where all her children were born, Laura, Jeff, Jon and Eric. Dad's work later moved them to Atlanta's Stone Mountain. Retirement saw them relocate to a hilltop home in Kimberling City, MO. Lastly she settled in Jamul, CA.
Bobbi loved being a mom and excelled at propping up members of her family and supporting them through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. Whether that was feeding the many school friends and exchange students we hosted or supporting her children's passions, she made it her mission to improve the lives of others, and to make sure our home, although cluttered, was always welcoming. There was "always room for 1 more at the table." Music was her hobby, and she actively participated in the Sunset Presbyterian Church choir, and later in Atlanta with their Community Chorus. Bobbi went back to school, feeling a need to do more, and graduated from Broward Community College's Nursing program in 1970. She loved being an RN and worked night shift so she could still be around for her children during the day. An avid reader, she volunteered at the library in Kimberling City, MO where she and my dad had settled into retirement. Later, in California, after she couldn't drive, I would get her 5-6 library books/week starting in the A's. I was up to the N's before she stopped being able to read….a great frustration for her. Bobbi was an active philanthropist after she retired, passionate about helping the underprivileged or other societal ills. She gave to every bleeding heart cause, even if it was only a $1, putting her on mass mail/phone solicitations that continue to pour in-ha! She was most proud that she raised a daughter and 3 sons that found happiness and success in the world. She felt truly blessed and despite great distances, her kids and grandkids kept in touch. Her family and grandkids all referred to her as "the Queen", a title she relished. We will miss her greatly.
Bobbi was predeceased by her husband Jack in 1999, when she relocated to live in California with her daughter Laura's family. She is survived by sisters: Peg Lunn of Columbia, SC and Barb Trexler, of Pittsburgh, PA and brother Jesse Cogley of San Antonio, TX, daughter Laura Gonzales of Jamul, CA, sons: Jeff Kusch, Knoxville, TN; Jon Kusch, Conyers, GA; and Eric Kusch, Lilburn, GA. In addition, she is survived by 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Her remains were cremated and will be distributed to her sons and daughter in beloved hippos that she collected and proudly displayed. Please go to the website for East County Mortuary to view the full obituary and photos. You can add additional commentary or upload other photos as well. The family is discussing a possible reunion next year as a celebration of life.