Her world turned upside down when Germany invaded France in June 1940. She fled Paris with her mother on foot and by rail in a cattle car to southern France. Suzie and her family endured four years of privation during the occupation, culminating when an artillery shell hit the building in which she lived during the Liberation.

In 1945, she met the American soldier whom she would marry, Davison Castles. After marrying the love of her life in January 1946, Suzie followed Dave to his home in Oregon, where they raised a family of four boys. When their fourth son, David, was born in 1966 with Down Syndrome, Suzie dedicated her life to maintaining his fragile health, getting him a thorough education and ensuring he developed beyond expectations into a gold medal Special Olympian, an avid reader and a musical drummer until his passing in 2012.

The joy of music resonated through Suzie’s life. She began playing the piano at age 10 and continued playing into the last year of her life. She also sang in her church choir for over 40 years. Those who knew Suzie will forever remember her as a loving woman of unlimited warmth, kindness and generosity, who always thought of others first.

Suzie is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 68 years, Dave; adoring sons, Patrick (Sandra), Ronald (Nancy) and Terence; and grandchildren, Laura, James, Elyse and Christine.

A service of remembrance will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, August 17, 2014, at First Presbyterian Church, 1200 S.W. Alder Street, Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oregon Special Olympics.