KUSSELL Alma Josephine (Palais) 93, of Delray Beach, FL, Newton Centre, MA, and Falmouth Heights, MA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at her home. In her later years, she bravely battled dementia, Alzheimer's, survived melanoma and colon cancer, and made a full recovery from a major stroke. She was the beloved wife of the late S. Donald Kussell, who died in 1994. Born on June 2, 1924 in Boston, MA, she was the daughter of the late Tena (Glaser) Palais and the late Maurice Palais, a prominent Boston attorney. Alma grew up in the Roxbury and Dorchester sections of Boston, and attended The William Lloyd Garrison School and the Girls Latin School. She went on to earn her undergraduate degree at Radcliffe College and her Master's Degree at Harvard University. A born teacher, she encouraged generations of young people to enrich their minds and reach for their goals. Alma taught five languages and had a rare blanket certification to teach any subject in the Boston Public Schools. Along with various posts in the Boston system, Alma taught German at Regis College in Weston, MA, and finished her career as a Latin Master at The Boston Public Latin School. She retired at the age of 70 after seventeen years there. Alma was married to S. Donald Kussell of Brookline, MA, in 1950. They lived in Newton Centre, MA and summered in Falmouth Heights, Cape Cod, MA. Alma loved the beach, and was a fixture on Falmouth Heights and Bristol Beaches for six decades. Armed with a crossword puzzle and using a pen, she could be found under a big straw hat, happy to engage one and all in pleasant, worldly conversation. Her passions also included travel and dancing, and she encouraged all to follow in her footsteps. Alma was a patron of the arts, and adored her visits to The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The MFA, and Rose Art Museum. She held season tickets to The Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Theater Guild of Boston. Alma and Donald made frequent visits to The Boston Athenaeum with colleagues after school let out, and enjoyed the views of Anthony's Pier 4 on so many occasions. Alma had a particular zest for life. While always the last to finish her dinner, she'd be the first to tell you not to rush and to savor the moment. Mrs. Kussell was an educator, mentor, and fundraiser. For many years, she raised money to help women attend college through her work with The Women's Scholarship Association. She was a lifelong member of Hadassah and Beth Israel Hospital, and supported her beloved Radcliffe College throughout her life. She was loved and admired by her students, colleagues, and many friends from all walks of life. She leaves two sons: her devoted caregiver, M. Lance Kussell of Newton Centre, MA and Falmouth Heights, MA; and William A. Kussell of Needham, MA and Boca Raton, FL; and two grandchildren. Services were held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Alma to The Boston Latin School Association, 27 School Street, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02108. For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at: www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA (508) 695-0200