Josephine Mosney

March 27, 1923-July 4, 2010

Born in Willapa to Nina (Sowers) and Joseph Wolfenbarger, Jo grew up on a farm in a large and loving family. She graduated from Valley High School and Graceland College, and with a BA in History and MEd in Administration from the University of Washington. In 1957 she began a 30-year career in education. While teaching and counseling at Edmonds Junior High, Jo served in various leadership roles in the Edmonds Education Association, including President, 1965-66. For two years she was the Associate Director of Teacher Education with the Superintendent of Public Instruction in Olympia. In 1968 she was the third person hired at the new Edmonds Community College. Over two decades, she was a driving force in the growth of the college, as counselor, Psychology teacher, and administrator, receiving its 1988 Excellence in Education Award. After retiring, she helped found the Creative Retirement Institute.

Jo exemplified her spiritual beliefs with a life of great compassion for others and became one of the first women ordained to the lay ministry of the Community of Christ Church. Jo’s optimism and deep love of learning are a great legacy to her community and family. She is survived by her children Robert (Karolyn) Kain of Tacoma and Anita Kain (Suheyl) Sokmen of Seattle; grandchildren Mitch (Amy) Kain of Manteca, CA, and their children (Christian, Noah, and Matthew); Kristine Kain of Tacoma; and Joseph Sokmen of New Orleans; siblings Jean Rugger, Anita Adams, and David Wolfenbarger; and nieces and nephews. Her husband, Michael Mosney, preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held at the Crystal Springs Community of Christ Church, Saturday, July 24, 1 p.m., 20012 Filbert Drive, Bothell, 98012. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to “EdCC Foundation/CRI Friends”, the Creative Retirement Institute, 201 4th Avenue N., Edmonds, WA 98020, or call 425-640-1830. Share your memories of Jo at www.acaciafuneralhome.com.