In Memory of Sue Kesey — A Founding Force at Mainstream Housing Inc.

Sue was known to many as a trailblazer in natural foods and the co-founder of Nancy’s Yogurt. She also leaves behind a powerful legacy in the world of disability advocacy through her foundational work with Mainstream Housing Inc. In 1990, as one of the organization’s original board members, Sue brought not only her business acumen but a deep, personal commitment to social justice at a critical time in Oregon’s history.

Mainstream Housing was formed to address the urgent need for safe, community-based homes for individuals leaving Fairview State Hospital—an institution that once held over 2,000 residents in outdated and often less than ideal conditions. Sue understood the magnitude of that challenge and stepped into her leadership role with determination and clarity of purpose. Her voice was instrumental in shaping the organization’s mission to create dignified, livable housing alternatives for people with developmental disabilities.

Drawing from her experience as CEO of a growing and complex business, Sue provided invaluable guidance in finance and budgeting, ensuring that Mainstream’s early efforts were built on a sustainable foundation. Her insights helped the board navigate tight funding, secure necessary resources, and make decisions that balanced long-term growth with immediate need. Colleagues remember her as a leader who could make the difficult decisions without ever losing sight of the people the organization served.

But Sue brought more than technical expertise—she brought heart, humor, and vision. One board member recalls, “She had a delightful sense of humor and always saw more possibilities than roadblocks.” Her optimism was contagious, helping the board stay focused and hopeful, even when challenges loomed large. Sue had the rare ability to elevate conversations beyond the obstacles, keeping the team aligned with the deeper purpose of their work.

Over the years, Mainstream Housing would go on to develop and manage dozens of homes across the region, helping to redefine what community inclusion could look like. That success was built, in no small part, on the leadership and values Sue modeled in those early years—integrity, compassion, and a relentless belief that everyone deserves a place to call home.

As we remember Sue Kesey, we honor a woman who not only helped build a successful company but who also helped build homes, communities, and hope. Her legacy at Mainstream Housing Inc. lives on in every person whose life has been improved by the organization she helped shape—with both wisdom and heart. Mainstream Housing will continue to pursue its mission with the same dedication, compassion, and vision that Sue brought to every step of the journey.