Suzanne (McCutchan) Aiken

Suzanne (McCutchan) Aiken, age 83, of Evansville, IN, peacefully passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024, at Evansville Protestant Home.

Suzanne was born November 6, 1940, in Evansville, IN, to the late Carl and Mildred (Mueller) McCutchan. An only child, Suzanne enjoyed the company of many neighborhood friends she considered siblings, maintaining lifelong friendships with them. At Bosse High School, she was known for her practical jokes, helped form a close-knit group of friends called "The Dingbats," and, most importantly, caught the eye of a budding teenage disc jockey.

Suzanne received her Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Hanover College, where she also helped organize and establish the Nu Chapter for Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.  During the summer before her senior year at Hanover, Suzanne worked at the Henry Street Settlement in New York City, an experience she fondly recounted as pivotal in igniting her passion for community involvement.  She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Art Education from Indiana State University. 

As an art teacher, Suzanne inspired many students with her talent, good nature, and sense of humor.  She entered the political arena, winning a seat on the EVSC School Board, where she served from 1979 to 1986.  While serving on the School Board, she was employed as a caseworker in the Evansville office of 8th District Congressman Frank McCloskey.  Upon leaving the board, Suzanne was excited to return to the classroom to teach art at Vogel Elementary School until her retirement in 2003.  At Vogel, Suzanne was fondly remembered for organizing Art Fairs and trips to Indianapolis to decorate Christmas trees on Monument Circle.

Suzanne loved traveling with family and friends, learning about the world, and providing educational opportunities for her children, friends’ children, and the children entrusted to her in her vocational calling.  Suzanne was confirmed at St. John’s United Church of Christ but became a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Evansville.

Suzanne is survived by her sons, Andrew Aiken (Lina) and Anthony Aiken (Carrie); granddaughter, Alaina; and beloved pet dog, Spencer.  We are concerned that Alaina has received a healthy measure of Suzanne’s wicked sense of humor and practical joking prowess. 

Suzanne is preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband of 46 years, Larry Aiken.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, 609 SE 2nd Street, Evansville, IN, with Reverend Anna Von Winkler officiating. Burial will follow at Bluegrass Cemetery.

Friends may visit at First Presbyterian Church from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Evansville African American Museum, 579 S. Garvin Street, Evansville, IN 47713.

Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN, is handling the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Suzanne Aiken. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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