Ina Sue Cushman

Ina Sue Cushman, 71, beloved daughter of the late Frank and Julia Cushman, died November 16 at home. She was recovering from surgery for a complex leg fracture.

Ms. Cushman leaves her siblings, Deborah Cushman of Dedham, Steven Cushman (Maria, wife) of Rehoboth, a close group of neighborhood friends and a raft of physician associate colleagues worldwide.

Ms. Cushman grew up in Sharon.

She loved sports and was a high school field hockey goalie and a college gymnast, as well as a children's gymnastics instructor.

Ms. Cushman graduated from Connecticut College with a bachelor's degree in zoology and from Yale School of Medicine's Physician Associate advanced studies program.

She was an award-winning surgical specialties clinician for Atrius Health for nearly 30 years, pioneering wound care management. After giving up clinical practice, Ms. Cushman was a highly sought-after tutor for medical subjects and exam preparation until her death.

She was also a lecturer and helped create the Orthopedics course for Northeastern University's PA Program.

Ms. Cushman was very active in her field's professional associations at the state and national levels. She was President of the American Association of Physician Associates from 2002-2003 and led the Board of the Massachusetts Association of Physician Associates.

For many years she was a volunteer in the human body exhibit at the Museum of Science and designed an award-winning display using a human skeleton riding a bicycle.

Suffering through countless surgeries and other conditions, Ms. Cushman fought for life on her terms with an indomitable spirit. She prevailed time after time under circumstances that would have defeated others. While a hospital patient, she routinely caught clinical errors and conducted physician-sanctioned bedside tutorials.

Ms. Cushman provided invaluable live-in care to her late mother, ensuring her safe, happy final years.

She often served as the "family and friends" medico, caring for bleeding wounds, aching joints and others' aging parents. While a warrior, Ms. Cushman also had a gentle and generous spirit, particularly with children.

Her funeral service will be Monday, November 24, 2025, at 10 AM at Temple Israel, 125 Pond St., Sharon. Interment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon. Shiva at Ina's residence, Monday following interment and Tuesday from 12-3 pm and 6-8 pm.

Donations in her memory may be made to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington, DC 20024-2126 or the Physician Associate Foundation (Foundation Only, not PAC), 2318 Mill Rd., Suite 1300, Alexandria, VA 22314.