Susan L. Gillen

WEST PARIS – Susan Lynn Cushman Gillen, 64, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, peacefully at home with loved ones by her side. She was born April 21, 1960, in Norway to Thomas H. Cushman and Linda M. Cushman. Susan graduated from Oxford Hills High School in 1978.

She went on to graduate from Bernard’s Beauty school where she became an instructor. Susan moved to California in 1984 and continued as a hairdresser and later bought a hair salon and day spa in Kentfield, California. It was a very successful business with nine people working for her. After selling her salon she moved back to Maine in 2015.

Susan was very outgoing and social and had many friends. She was very energetic, active and always on the go. She enjoyed running, going to the ocean with her dogs, trips to Lake Tahoe, skiing, bike riding, feeding and watching the birds. She was an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants, holding season tickets to their games. She was also a loyal fan of the Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. Susan battled a brain injury and brain cancer later in her life. She underwent several brain surgeries. She was a warrior. She was always known for being strong and independent. Even with all her challenges, she was amazing at figuring out her Sudoku puzzles.

Susan was predeceased by her father Thomas H. Cushman.

She is survived by her mother Linda M. Cushman; her brother Lane T. Cushman and his wife Debbie; her sister Jennifer Gagnon and her husband Troy; her uncle Peter Cushman and his wife Licia; her aunt Cheryl Marshall and her husband Rowland; nephew Morgan Marshall and his wife Barbara Jean and their son Ryland; niece Kelsey Allen and her husband Gage and their daughter Brailee; and her partner Ken Lamb.

A private graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Oxford. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with her family at http://www.chandlerfunerals.com