Dea Linn Kusa (65), of Kalamazoo, Michigan passed away on April 19, 2026, at Bronson Hospital, comforted by the presence of her husband David.

Dea was born in Gary, Indiana on September 29, 1960. She spent her early years with her parents, Donald and Judy Downing in Olathe, Kansas. She would go on to forever support her Kansas City Chiefs.

At a Super Bowl party, Dea politely asked a charming man to let her watch the game in peace. Dea and David married shortly thereafter in 1985 in South Haven, Michigan.

She grew up in South Haven with her brother Donald and sister Dawn Downing. Eventually she settled in Kalamazoo, Michigan and made it home to her children Brittany, Nicholas, and Derek. In Kalamazoo she served her community as a Girl Scout leader and Democratic Party organizer. She also served her community as a bartender at the erstwhile Corner Bar, where she could not help but to gather new and lasting friends. She radiated home and hearth and never lost the zest or skill to host.

Dea attended Michigan State University and South Haven High School, where she was a proud member of the choir and swim team. She was a committed homemaker, dog lover, and explorer of musical, literary, and sartorial treasures. She excelled at most games of skill and loved cards and trivia especially. Her appetite for classic film was insatiable.

She is survived by her mother, her siblings, her husband, and her children. She is survived also by numerous well-loved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Donald Downing and maternal aunt Carol Bennett.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Girl Scouts of America.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, May 2nd, at 2:00 at Milwood Methodist Church; 3919 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001.

While visiting Dea’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane in Portage, MI 49002, (269 344-5600).