Gwen Gossett

August 8, 1913- August 24, 2010 Gwen Gossett, a resident of Fortuna for over 60 years, died peacefully on August 24, 2010 at her eldest daughter's house in Fortuna at the age of 97. Gwen was born on August 8, 1913 in Eureka - the daughter of the Rev John Nelsen and Martha Nelsen. She was the oldest of five children. The family moved up and down the West coast, living briefly in San Pedro CA, Aberdeen & Bellingham, WA and Astoria, OR before settling back in Eureka. From an early age, Gwen loved music, playing pretend pianos until her parents sent her for piano lessons. When she was 8 years old, she played the piano for her father's church services and became a church organist at the age of 11, playing for Sunday services on a pump organ an occupation she was to continue until well into her 90's. She married Ernest Gossett in 1935. They lived in Eureka until 1949, when they moved to Fortuna to manage and ultimately buy Baldwin Electric, which became Gossett Electric. Gwen ran the office while Ernie did the electrical work. Gwen was active in the community being president of the Fortuna Monday Club, the Fortuna Quota Club, the Ladies Association of the Redwood Empire Golf and Country Club, and the Women's Society of the Fortuna Methodist Church (3 terms). She was a district officer for the Women's Society of Christian Service for 2 terms one as vice president. She received a special membership in the WSCS for outstanding service. Gwen joined Eastern Star in 1963. She was Worthy Matron of the Rohnerville Chapter #76 in 1971 (Ernie Sr. was Worthy Patron with her). In 1979, Gwen was Grand Organist of the Grand Order of Eastern Star of California and Ernie was her Grand Escort. During that year they traveled over 50,000 miles. Gwen was organist for the Fortuna Methodist Church for 33 years from 1957 to 1989. After she retired from the Methodist Church, she was persuaded to become the organist for the St Francis Episcopal Church, a post she held for 13 years from 1990 to 2003. Over the years Gwen has played for many weddings, funerals, musical events, installations, Masonic functions and other events. Even in her 90's she still played for special functions and once a week at the "old folks home" as she called it St Luke's Manor. Gwen is survived by four of her five children Carol Gossett, Diana Angelini, Dr. Ernest Gossett Jr. and Loene Gossett-McClelland eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Friends and Family are invited to a Memorial service which will be held at the Fortuna United Methodist Church, Saturday September 18, 2010 at 2:00 PM. Donation are suggested to be made to the Fortuna Union High School Music Department, 379 12th Street, Fortuna, CA 95540. Arrangements under the care of Goble's Fortuna Mortuary, Fortuna, Ca. Please sign the online guestbook at www.times-standard.com click on obits.