Susie Kushlan (née Muskopf) of South Lake Tahoe, California, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the age of 57.
Susie was born in Millstadt, Illinois, on July 7, 1968, but moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1975, where she discovered her love of football, animals, a good tan, and jalapeños. In high school, she performed as an Eaglette at football games during halftime, competed with her dad on the tennis court (she never beat him), and worked with animals at a local pet shop. In 1986, she began her college career at Texas A&M, where she graduated with a degree in Psychology, was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, a proud 12th Man during games, and an Aggie Hostess during her junior and senior years to help welcome and recruit the best football players in the land. She remained a true Texas Aggie throughout her life, often traveling back from California to catch a home game and seldom missing any broadcast game.
She found her true home in South Lake Tahoe after traveling around the West for months in her International Scout, dogs and cat in tow. The lake, mountain air, animals, and trees inspired her to establish a life in a place she found magical. She worked in the hospitality industry, with animals for a veterinarian and pet shop, delivered the mail for many years, and artfully arranged vegetables at a local grocery store. These jobs kept her in the place she loved, where she interacted daily with flora and fauna, and positively impacted those who had the pleasure of meeting her.
It was in this special place that she met and married the man of her dreams. Susie and Anton fell in love and quickly added Owen to their joyful union in 2006. Susie was born to be Owen’s mom and truly delighted in his very being. She was his champion from day one, and he was a beam of love and light that filled her with endless joy. The three of them had many adventures in the mountains, on the lake, and Susie made a beautiful and cozy home where everyone felt welcome (including many pets).
Susie was the oldest of three sisters. Stair step in years, similar in style, temperament, humor, and values, the sisters relied on each other through highs and lows. Susie was a loyal and dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and friend. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Charlotte (Prater) Muskopf. She is survived by husband Anton Kushlan and son Owen, sisters Sarah (Chris Stetler) and Jenny Muskopf, nieces Amanda Muskopf, Dinah and Beatrice Whitmarsh, and countless in-laws.
