Sue Aberle is a dedicated volunteer with a heart full of family stories and a deep passion for trains. Her family is spread far and wide internationally, with three adult children, who have gifted her with six grandchildren. Her family has lived in Monroe WA, Maryland, Mississippi, Minneapolis, and even England. She’s hopeful that soon she’ll have the joy of welcoming great-grandchildren into the fold. And let’s not forget her three black cats, who add plenty of personality to the household, with one known as “Kleptocat” because he steals things that don’t belong to him.

Sue met her husband in Corvallis while studying at Oregon State University. They have been married for 53 years! They raised their family near Astoria, OR, then lived in Kenmore, WA, and eventually settled in Vancouver, WA, in 2004. Sue was employed for 20 years as a registered dietitian and currently works as a merchandiser.

TRAIN ENTHUSIAST SINCE AGE 3

Her love for trains began at a very young age, thanks to a special memory involving her great uncle, an engineer in Astoria. When Sue was just three years old, her mom took her to see a steam locomotive at the depot, and it was love at first sight. From that day on, Sue has dreamed of becoming a train engineer.

While other girls in her first-grade class considered becoming nurses or teachers, Sue proudly declared, “I want to be a train engineer.” A spark had been lit, and it continues to burn.

In the 1980-90s, her family became involved in restoring the Baldwin #21 through the Astoria Railroad Preservation Association (ARPA). Sue recalls helping transport heavy leaf springs that were stuffed into her small GMC Suburban.

IT ALL STARTED WITH HOLIDAY EXPRESS

Sue’s connection to ORHC’s Holiday Express is a treasured chapter of her volunteering journey. Her first exposure to the magical event involved her uncle, who had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. One year, when SP 4449 was returning from its run, Sue rushed to see it and gave her uncle a call so he could hear the locomotive’s iconic whistle.

After that, she signed up to help out with the food preparation and then became a car host. One of her most memorable experiences was when she was surprised with a ride in the cab of the SP&S 700 while volunteering for Holiday Express. Talk about a dream come true!

Sue’s journey as a volunteer took a new turn in 2019 when the Center was seeking docents to lead tours. Her lifelong passion for trains and interacting with the community made it a perfect fit. She signed up immediately, eager to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors. The Center recently announced its newest locomotive, the Mount Emily Shay #1— a type of locomotive that is one of Sue’s favorites. Growing up with a dad who was a logger, she remembers hearing stories about Climax locomotives, so when she learned about another geared locomotive, the Shay, it piqued her interest. However, SP 4449 will always have a special place in her heart.

A VOLUNTEER YOUNG AT HEART

Sue’s dedication to volunteering isn’t just about the locomotives—it’s about the joy of giving back and staying connected with something she loves. “I’m a little kid at heart,” she admits. Whether it’s helping with a special event, sharing stories with visitors, or simply watching the Coast Starlight pass by, her enthusiasm never fades.

“Every time I get an email that says, ‘help needed!’ I’m there,” she says with a smile. The trains, the people, and the experiences—they’re all part of what keeps her dedicated to ORHC.