Susan Slape-Hoysagk, Self-Reliant Oregon Gardener and Outdoors Enthusiast
Name: Susan Slape-Hoysagk
Occupation: Registered Nurse, Infection Preventionist
Place of Residence: Astoria, Oregon
Background: Susan grew up in what was then a rural area south of Portland, Oregon. Engaging in outdoor activities was always a favorite — be it backpacking, hiking, camping, gardening, skiing, or swimming in the nearby lake.
After graduation, she served in the United States Navy and upon discharge, she returned to her home state of Oregon. A few different paths later, she found her true calling as a registered nurse. Over the years, Susan returned to college twice, eventually getting a Master’s in nursing and health education.
As population exploded and gang activity increased in the Portland area, she knew she wanted a different life for her four boys — a life more like the one she had growing up in a small town. A move to the northern Oregon coast made this possible.
Susan is inspired by her late maternal grandmother, Louise, who was a single parent during the Great Depression. She grew flowers, vegetables and fruit, raised chickens, knitted, crocheted, created clothes using patterns she made, and canned enough food to fill her large pantry. Being self-reliant, creative, and a good steward of our Earth lives on in Louise’s granddaughter as well as her great-grandsons.
Current Projects: Susan is cultivating experiences in her own garden and writing about them.
More Places to Find Susan on the Web:
