Remembering Auntie Moe

     Maryann Mosher died last week.

Unless you were one of her kids, grandchildren or even great-grandchildren, you probably didn't know this Sparta, Michigan housewife.
     But I loved her dearly.

She came into The Mama's life during high school. She was a pushy, bossy player on a competing (Comstock Park) basketball team. Ma didn't like her at all -- and the feeling was apparently mutual.
     By the time myself and brother Mike came along, though, 'Auntie Moe' and The Mama had become close friends. I spent many a summer day crammed into a car, along with Joel, Mary, Lois and Paul, headed to Lake Michigan or elsewhere, along with our cousins. We often stopped by the Moshers' house to see what was going on. I even had a (minor) flirtation with Joel, who was my age. (Who frankly paid little attention to the gawky-kneed braces-and-glasses girl who thought he was wonderful. Ah well.)
     Auntie Moe's generosity bloomed as lavishly as the flowers in the beds around her house. Not long after the Brick and I married, I got a vintage clock from her, painted in cheerful red, yellow and blue flowers. "You always admired that clock when you were little," she said, "so I thought you should have it." I'd forgotten the clock -- but I never forgot her thoughtfulness.
     She wasn't a Facebook person. Nor, so far as I know, did she ever do any other social media. But her house was crammed with photos of her family, as well as afghans and other craft items.
     Her faithful sidekick was her husband Carl. ('Uncle Moe,' of course.) He kept things tidy, including their lush backyard, and their kids in play. He drove Auntie Moe wherever she liked, and was the calm presence to her animated stories and comments. They spent time with my parents, often meeting for meals...or just at church every week. Auntie Moe was a special comfort when my dad died, back in 2009.
     She loved to talk about her family -- where they were, what they were doing. Even after we moved to Colorado in 1984, she continued to ask about me and our family, even though she hadn't seen our girlies in years. Nearly every trip back to Michigan included a stop at the Moshers, to see how they were doing.

     The last few visits were telling. Auntie Moe's heart was slowly giving out. Our last visit was by phone call. I told her I loved her. And this wonderful, kind woman said, "I know you do -- and I love you too, Honey." The friendship between her and The Mama grew stronger, as they both realized that it would be pausing soon.
     Thank God for the strong certainty that death is NOT the end, when you believe in His Son. That is even more reinforced by the celebration of the Savior's birth. 

     Rest, dear friend. Say hi to Pa for me. See you soon.


Mosher, Maryann 4/29/1935 - 12/16/2017 Sparta MOSHER Mrs. Maryann Mosher aged 82 of Sparta, passed away Saturday, December 16, 2017. She was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Helen Wier; brothers, Maurice and Earl Wier. Surviving are her husband of 62 years, Carl; children, Paul (Vickie) Mosher, Joel (Kathleen) Mosher, Lois (Robert) Kelly, Amy (Karl) Nadolsky, Mary Nester; grandchildren, Paul Mosher Jr., Carl Mosher, Chuck Mosher, Jason (Caitlin) Cousron, Chad (Krysti) Courson, Joel Jr. (Mary) Mosher, Karri (Dan) Creveling, Patrick (Kelly) Kelly, Amanda Kelly, Michelle (Jesse) Montgomery, Jennifer (Jarob) Montgomery, Luke Driscoll, Caleb Driscoll, Rachel Driscoll, Sarah (Billy) Childres; 30 great grandchildren; brothers, Donald (Connie) Wier, David (Diane) Wier; many nieces and nephews. Maryann truly enjoyed her years of raising her family. The greatest love of her life was her husband Carl and spending time with her grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 11:00AM Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at the Stegenga Funeral Chapel Belmont, 1601 Post Dr. NE. Her family will greet relatives and friends Monday from 5 to 7PM at the funeral chapel and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Interment Blythefield Memory Gardens. To share a photo, memory and sign the family's online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com

This is not a typical picture of her...she usually had bright eyes and a half-smile.