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Joan Mosser Obituary

Mosser, Joan Ziegler 75 April 02, 1937 April 16, 2012 Joan was a kind, warm and giving person. Her smile was always radiant and her eyes sparkled with joy. She shared her love, knowledge, and wisdom with everyone with whom she came in contact. Joan was born in Portland to Warden and Marion (Everard) Ziegler. She graduated from Grant High School in 1955, from the Emanuel School of Nursing in 1958, and later from Linfield College in 1977. Joan met her future husband, (Harry) Ray Mosser, in 1959. They married in Portland in 1960, and were married for 52 years. Inside her long career as an registered nurse, she become a Journeyman electrician. She returned to nursing first at Emanuel Hospital, then later at OHSU until her retirement in 2008. Joan loved hiking, mountain climbing, cross country skiing, and white water rafting. Her love of nature and the outdoors began when a friend introduced her to the Mazamas Climbing Club in 1953. Joan then introduced the Mazamas to her husband, Ray, and they hiked trails, and climbed many peaks in the Pacific Northwest. They both received the 16 Northwest Major Peaks Award from the Mazamas. Additionally, she led numerous outings and cross-country ski trips for the Mazamas. She loved sharing and giving new experiences to others. Joan loved to travel and cook. She toured many of the major European cities including Communist Russia, and also enjoyed Hawaii and Greece. She loved Greek cuisine and never missed the yearly Greek Orthodox Church Festival. Additionally, Joan lovingly prepared Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to share with her family. In her later years, she played the ukulele, gardened - sharing her blueberry crop with many - and worked out at the local gym. Joan is survived by her husband, Ray Mosser; son, John Mosser; and daughter, Cynthia Mosser. Joan died peacefully at home surrounded by friends and family, and most importantly by her caring husband, Ray. She braved a one-year and three month battle with cancer. Plans for a memorial gathering will be in the near future, and will be announced. Any contributions should be made to Planned Parenthood.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Oregonian on Apr. 21, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Karen Thomas

April 27, 2012

I recognized Joan when I saw the announcement in the Oregonian of her passing. I worked with her in the operating rooms at OHSU. I am sorry to hear this news. She always treated me with kindness and respect, even though I was one of the lowly worker bees. My prayers are with her family and for her progress into all the worlds of God.

Dana Peterson

April 26, 2012

Joan was such a gentle but strong woman. As a new nurse working with Joan I always looked up to her and the way she approached her nursing care with great confidence. My work week often started out with asking Joan what ventures she had been on over the weekend. She lived such a rich life and was a great example of staying active and engaged in nature.

Catherine Willard

April 26, 2012

I will be forever grateful to Joanie for caring for me when I was in a deep depression....she willingly took me into her home and nurtured me. I will miss her so much. I will always remember her laugh and her smile that was so contagious. She is truly a wonderful woman that always looked at the positive in everything and everyone. My deepest condolensces go out to Ray , John and Cynthia.
With Love Catherine (Hague) Willard

Barb Hall

April 26, 2012

I really enjoyed working with Joan she was always so pleasant and trying to make things better for everyone she will be greatly missed.

Howard and Sally Hansen

April 25, 2012

Our friendship with Ray and Joan provided wonderful memories of being in the mountains: Switzerland in 1997, Rainier/Tatoosh Classic in 1999, Maui in 2001 and the hike around Mt. Hood in 2001. Joan has now reached her final summit.

Kristine Armstrong-Schaefer

April 22, 2012

So many fond memories of Joan and the times my family spent with her and her family. The hiking trips, tasting rabbit for the first time and just enjoying such a wonderful person. She will be truly missed.

Ann Danko

April 22, 2012

Joan was such a down to earth woman. I always learned something from her when we worked together in the OR at OHSU. She also had a magnificent sense of humor and such an easy laugh. She was a wonderful nurse.

Jackie Linstram

April 22, 2012

I worked at OHSU with Joan for many years and became friends with her . We spent time working out at the local gym and enjoyed laughter and food together. I will miss her infectous smile and good nature. She was a great role model! Jackie Linstram

Marnee Reiley

April 22, 2012

I remember Joan as loving, nurturing, energetic, adventuresome, generous, welcoming and, oh, so very fun and funny. She brought her exuberance and sunshine into others' lives. Sending much love to her beautiful family.

April 22, 2012

It was always great when I worked with Joan as an electrician. I looked forward to meeting her again, now I will just have to wait.
Phil Hanson

Lachi Slick

April 21, 2012

Joan was my mentor at OHSU ~ I was so privileged to have had the benefit of her vast knowledge and ability as a teacher. Joan became a friend and we enjoyed everything from rafting the Deschutes to "Drum Circles". Her interests were varied and amazing. Her "no-nonsense" approach to life was so refreshing and beautiful. I am saddened that the we,too soon, have lost such a bright and shining star. My husband and I send deepest condolences to Joan's wonderful family. We were truely blessed to have known her.

Dana McNaught

April 21, 2012

I had the honor and privilege to work with Joan while we both worked at OHSU. I am saddened to learn of her premature passing. May you find peace and solace in time. Joan was an excellent nurse and had such a kind way with people. Rest in peace dear Joan.

Kathryn Kuebler

April 21, 2012

Joan was a relative and a friend. After I moved to Missoula, Montana from Portland she and Ray came and visited me twice and I went on a Mazama trip to Maui with them and saw them in Portland when I was there. Joan, I will miss you and remember all the things we did and so many conversation we had. Kathryn Kuebler

jim carlson

April 21, 2012

I will remember Joan as a wonderful friend and classmate though the years at Grant high school .
Her smile and laugh were two of the many great things about her. She was taken from us much too soon.

Jim and June Carlson

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