Suzanne Moesser

Suzanne ("Sue") Shawaker Moesser, 92, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2023. She was born

November 26, 1930 to Wayne E. and Jeanne (Eckhardt) Shawaker. She attended Scott High

School where she graduated fourth in her class in 1948. She furthered her education at the

University of Michigan where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1952. She

taught English for four years at Old Orchard Junior High School. Suzanne married Allen D

Gutchess, Jr in 1955. Together they had four children. The couple divorced after 25 years of

marriage. She married Robert E. Moesser in 1982 and remained married until Bob’s death in

2002.

Sue devoted her time to her children, the church and the community. She was a lifelong, third

generation member of Epworth United Methodist Church where she served as chairman of the

Administrative Council, Council on Ministries, Communion stewards and The Widowed. She

was a member of the Missions Commision, Memorial Garden Committee, and president of

United Methodist Women as well as a volunteer as a Stephen Minister and with the Furniture

Ministry. Sue attended a service weekend in 1981 to Goodworks in Athens Ohio where she is

fondly remembered for single-handedly staining the large front porch of the Hannah House

where the volunteers stayed. Sue was instrumental in establishing the columbarium in the

Memorial Garden at Epworth. She served as church historian for many years.

Sue was a Girl Scout as a teen and later served as a leader for her daughters’ Girl Scout troop

and with the Girl Scout Council. She was recognized as a 100 Leader of Promise through the

Women of Influence program from Girl Scouts of Western Ohio. Sue was an active member of

American Association of University Women (AAUW) where she served as president for several

terms as well as serving on several committees. She was a 75 year member of Delta Gamma

sorority and served as president and secretary. Sue was an active member of the Alumnae

Club at the University of Michigan. She was a member of the Toledo Glass Club, Questers and

Maumee Valley Historical Society. Sue was a member and treasurer for P.E.O., an organization

devoted to promoting educational opportunities for women, She attended numerous

educational enrichments during her 25 years serving as a Master Docent at the Toledo Art

Museum.

Sue enjoyed attending performances at the Toledo Repertoire Theater, concerts at the Toledo

Symphony and with the Masterworks Chorale. She enjoyed spending time at the family cottage

on beautiful Clark’s Lake where the sunsets are fabulous and her grandchildren played with

their children in the clear water. Sue enjoyed completing needlepoint projects, cake decorating

and making soap as hobbies. She had an eclectic music interest from Big Band Era to Roger

Whitaker, Cat Stevens, Simon & Garfunkel, The Police and Kenny G. Sue enjoyed playing

bridge with a special group of ladies. They would rotate hosting the game each month. The

group remained close for many years. She had a beautiful spirit, was fun to be around and had

a lively sense of humor. She was truly loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

Sue loved to travel. She took her children on a three week road trip to California in 1973. The

family also traveled to Florida. Her grandchildren were gifted trips through the Elderhostel

program. She took Abby to England, Austin to Africa and Alexa to Iceland. What a wonderful

opportunity for them! Sue and Bob traveled extensively throughout the world. They went to

Russia, Australia, Europe, Uruguay and Mexico to name a few.

Suzanne is survived by her children Heather Paschall, Heidi (Francisco) Morales, Matthew

(Lina) Gutchess and Holly (Brian) Bolenbaugh; grandchildren Abby (Rev Dr Kristopher)

Schondelmeyer, Austin (Victoria) Wasylkowski, Deming and Allen Gutchess;

great-grandchildren Alexander, Karrick, Isaac and Lincoln Schondelmeyer; Mason, Gavin and

Jackson Wasylkowski. She was preceded in death by granddaughter Alexa Noel Wasylkowski,

husband Robert E. Moesser, brother Stephen B. Shawaker and her parents.

A Celebration of Life will take place Friday February 24 with visitation starting at 1:00 and

service starting at 2:00 at Epworth United Methodist Church, 4855 W. Central Ave, Toledo.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Epworth Furniture Ministry or the Alzheimer’s

Association.