Priscilla Vineyard

It is with profound sadness that I share with you the death of my mother, Priscilla Vineyard, age 79. She passed away in the early morning of July 28, 2020. She died peacefully with my sister Liz and myself, Theresa, by her side.

The last 4 years of her life were spent here in Fort Collins with me and what an adventure we had.

Priscilla is survived by her four children: Tom (& Lori) Kusant, Theresa Martinson, Liz Kusant and Ruth Kusant. Six grandchildren: Connor and Duncan Kusant; Becci, Natalie & Max Martinson; and Olivia Kusant, as well as one great grandchild Martin Kowalczyk. Her brother Henri Pol and his family.

Priscilla was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on December 12, 1940, and grew up along with her older brother, Henri Pol, in Detroit, MI, Upland, IN, Marion, IN, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and finally back in St. Paul, MN. She attended Murray High School in St. Paul, where she graduated second in her class. She then attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned her degree as a registered nurse and started working immediately in one of the hospitals.

Priscilla wore many hats: woman, mother, daughter, grandmother, foster mom, friend, nurse, teacher, neighbor, director, chauffer, cook and evangelist. She was kind to everyone and there was always a place at her table. She was a generous person and loved the Lord with all her heart.
She was a nurse for 35 years and served her community in many different ways: floor nurse, nursing home director, teacher at Job Corps for CNA classes and home health nurse, driving thousands of miles all over Minneapolis / St. Paul. After she retired she continued exercising her nursing by doing the feet of those with diabetes and other complications.

She loved to take care of the dogs and cats, cook, sew, play the piano and socialize. Her favorite day of the week was Sunday because then we would be at church and she loved our Pastor Rob. We would have a family lunch and play games before she needed to go back. She was one of the most encouraging people I have ever met. She never met a stranger, always had a smile and cheerful word and a reminder that you were loved by God.

In her later years, she was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia. At first it was subtle but after she had lived with me nearly two years it became evident she needed more care than I could give her. She moved into an assisted living where she often played the piano, sewed many blankets and table clothes and enjoyed games, puzzles, and many friendships. After a year, she needed more care and a place was found for her in a memory care unit.

I am so grateful that she is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is whole and reunited with all those that have gone on before her. We will miss her greatly.

Rest in Peace Mama