Susan Elizabeth Alperin

After an incredible life of service, friendship and family, Susan Elizabeth Alperin passed away on September 25 at her home in Portland.

The child of Ada “Lois” Aikman (nee Armstong) and Walter Aikman, Sue was raised in Toledo, Ohio, growing up with two sisters and a family that valued education and family connections.  After college at Ohio Wesleyan, Sue looked to the greater world.  She took a job with the American Red Cross, working to improve the mental wellbeing of injured soldiers.  The Red Cross work took her to Washington D.C, to Japan, and then to the Philippines.   It was while stationed at Clark Air Force base in the Philippines that she met her future husband, Bob Alperin, as well as a group of lifetime friends. 

After their time in the Philippines, Bob and Sue married and moved to Portland, Oregon.  Sue loved the spirit of activism, community and love of the outdoors in Portland.  She became involved in the Women’s Movement, helping immigrant families, public mental health care and educational charities.  She was a prominent member of West Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for over 45 years. 

As part of her interests, career and her love of learning, Sue continued her education throughout her life.  She built on her psychology major with a certificate in Adjective Therapy from the Menninger Clinic in Kansas.  She then completed a Masters in Intercultural Relations at Antioch University. 

Sue’s career included a mixture of paid and volunteer work that was always focused on caring for those who needed it.  For 7 years, she directed FolkTime, a socialization program for the mentally ill.  The role was all encompassing, involving working directly with clients, creating fundraisers, finding volunteers, and writing grants.  In one of many volunteer roles, she lead the creation of a Oregon History curriculum that recognized the roles and contributions of minority peoples.  She also used her experience helping Mien refugees adapt to Portland, and in her role for helping business expats coming from around the world to Oregon.  Up until recently, she worked with SMART reading for kids, helping children in the Beaverton schools who were struggling with reading.  

As someone who was always active, Sue enjoyed a range and depth of hobbies and interests.  These included gardening, hiking, cross country skiing, travel, literature, art, travel, genealogy, and Japanese art, language and culture.

Sue is survived by her two children and two grandchildren.  A memorial service will be held on October 28th at 2pm at West Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.