The History of a House - Part 2

 Song -Take Me Home by Phil Collins

Recap - My son Jon and his girlfriend Jacque purchased a home in Salinas were they found a hand written message on a plaster board inside the wall of their bathroom.  In Part 1 I shared with you about the Endo family who went from Labor Camps to UC Berkeley to owning their own pharmacy businesses to an Internment Camp then moving back east.  

Now please meet another person who lived in their house for 30 years....Alice Michael Moser

Alice Michael Moser

May 12, 1913 - March 1, 2015
Born in Calgary, Canada
Resided in Salinas, CA

Obituary

Alice Michael Moser passed away at her home on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at the age of 101. She was born on May 12, 1913 in Calgary, Canada but was raised in San Francisco. She received degrees from S.F. State University and did graduate work at U.C. Berkeley, Stanford, Guatemala and the University of Barcelona, Spain. (Jon spent a summer studying Spanish at the University in Barcelona)

Mrs. Moser was a lifetime educator at elementary, secondary and college levels. She was associated for many years with the Monterey County Office of Education as head of programs in speech, foreign languages, English as a second language, Environmental Education and International Studies. She established the Environmental Science Center at Toro Park and the 1980 integrated International Studies Program for schools and colleges. She was a founding member of the California Speech and Hearing Association. (Jacque works with school children with hearing problems & teaches sign language)

She was a member of the Salinas Unitarian Fellowship, the American Association of University Women, Monterey Symphony, the Democratic Women's Club, and the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. She was a charter member of the National Steinbeck Center and a scholar of William Edward Petty Hartnell, the early California historical figure after whom Hartnell College is named. (We parked in front of this college to go see their house for the first time)

After retiring in 1981, she became an advocate of the legacy of Mr. Hartnell. In 1998 she convened a conference at Hartnell College in celebration of the 200th anniversary of his birth. Attendees included 35 of his descendants. Most recently, Alice developed and designed the William and Maria Teresa Hartnell mural, painted by local artist John Cerny, now on the wall of the Merrill Science Building at Hartnell College. (Jacque walks by this mural all the time)

Alice lived her life with intent, purpose and great determination. She competed, persevered and succeeded in the workplace at a time when women had to try harder for their roles. She clearly was at the forefront of the women's movement, a woman way ahead of her time. She pursued her own path, spoke her mind, and was strongly passionate about social justice. Alice was well read, well-traveled, curious, current and a great conversationalist. Friendships were especially important to her and she enjoyed and nourished those in her life. (Jon & Jacque are both back in college getting their masters)

She married Walter Moser at the age of 74 and they enjoyed a special, loving marriage for 18 years until Walter's death in 2005. They enjoyed traveling, including cruises, their home in Cabo and relishing each other's company. Alice often said that the best gift Walter gave her was his family, who embraced and cared for Alice, especially after Walter's passing. Family members include Michael and Kathryn Moser of Salinas, Peter and Joanne Moser of Shasta Lake, California, David and Sandy Moser of Merlin, Oregon, Loretta Moser of Salinas, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also leaves special friends Monica May of San Mateo, California, Tim and Verena Boylan of Charlotte, North Carolina and many others, from around the globe, too many to mention.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Walter and her sisters Margo Baird (guess what our last name is?) and Mary Libra, each of San Francisco. 

 

What an incredible lady!  I loved that Jon & Jacque have so much in common with Alice.   And that their home has some amazing history.  Mr. B and I are heading down there shortly to help with some projects.  Enjoy your weekend!