Jacqueline "Jackie" Mosher

Jacqueline Jackie Mosher was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, who always gave selflessly to enrich the lives of those around her. She had a generous spirit and loved to give of her time and talents. Jackie was simply a ray of sunshine for those close enough to receive the gift of her warmth. 1931 found most of the United States deep in the Great Depression. Many people were without jobs and life was very difficult. William and Blanche (Cass) Hammond of Muskegon, Michigan were among the lucky few. William had a job working as an Inspector for Teledyne Continental while Blanche was a busy homemaker. Already the proud parents of five children: Martha, Jim, Margaret, William and Betty, springtime of 1931 found the couple awaiting the birth of their sixth child. On April 28, 1931, their daughter, Jacqueline, was born, rounding out the Hammond family. Although Jackie had a fairly large family, four of her older siblings were already out on their own by the time she was born, leaving just her sister Betty to dote on her. Jackie grew up in Muskegon and received her education in the Muskegon Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1950. Shortly thereafter, Jackie was hanging out at Hansons Dairy Bar, a local drive-in restaurant, when she met a handsome young man named Melvin Mosher. According to Mel, Jackie relentlessly chased him (which he honestly didnt mind) until he finally gave in and they began dating. As fate would have it, the two fell hopelessly in love and were happily married on November 17, 1951. The newlyweds settled into married life together living with Jackies parents until they saved up enough to buy their own home. Mel had just started a new job at Brunswick Corporation, which makes bowling balls, while Jackie worked at a local retail store called Hardy Herpolsheimers. Her work history would go on to include GTE and Kmart too. Working at Brunswick inspired Mel and Jackie to try bowling, which was something they could do together. Mel was such a good bowler though that his company sponsored him in tournaments all over the U.S., and Jackie was lucky enough to go with him on several of these trips. On March 1, 1957, Jackie and Mel delighted in welcoming the birth of their beautiful daughter, Sharon. She was truly their pride and joy. As parents, Jackie and Mel were always actively involved and supportive of Sharons activities in school, or whatever endeavor she pursued. Time together was always important to the family of three, and they enjoyed taking trips every summer to a cabin owned by Mels sister in the Upper Peninsula or heading south to Georgia to visit Jackies family. No matter which way they headed though, it was always hot! As Sharon got older and pursued interests of her own, Jackie and Mel busied themselves with hobbies of their own. They became members of the local Moose Lodge and bowled on a few leagues. Through these activities, the couple made many great friends, though their closest friends of over 60 years were the Andersons and the Winklers. They so enjoyed each others company and got together every Saturday night (rotating houses over the weeks) to play cards or a game called Dog House. Family was always first in Jackies heart. She was so very happy when her daughter Sharon married Paul Witte and he brought his two children, Travis and Trisha, into their lives. Jackie couldnt have been a prouder grandmother, and she wasted no time in spoiling her grandkids. Mel and Jackie led an active life throughout their retirement years. They enjoyed working in the yard together, and when the harsh Michigan winters rolled around, they would head to sunny Florida for a while. However, as they both got older, life slowly became more difficult and health problems plagued them both. In 2004, Jackie suffered a severe stroke, which she recovered pretty well from. She also struggled with congestive heart failure for many years and eventually had a pacemaker and defibrillator implant. Then, if that wasnt enough for the couple, Mel fell and broke his hip in 2008. Despite their many struggles, Mel and Jackie always knew their love would see them through. Mel fondly said, They had a good one and will dearly miss her. What gave Jackie the greatest joy was sharing herself with her family, offering them the most precious thing she possessed her time. It is a gift none of her loved ones will ever forget. Jacqueline Mosher, age 78 of Muskegon, MI died on Tuesday, August 25, 2009. She is survived by her husband, Melvin; daughter, Sharon (Paul) Witte; grandchildren, Travis & Trisha; several nieces, nephews & cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, William & Blanche Hammond, & her siblings, Martha, Jim, Margaret, William & Betty. Memorial services for Jackie will be held on Saturday, August 29, at 3:00 p.m. in Clock Chapel at Clock Life Story Funeral Home, Muskegon, with Pastor David & Reverend Sally LaFrance officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 2-3 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hackley VNS Hospice or Meals on Wheels. Please visit Jackies personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com where you may share a memory or sign her online guest book.