Joan Ziegler Mosser

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.