Abbie Moos

August 10, 1950 - May 15, 2009

Abbie Browning Moos died of cancer May 15 at her home near Philomath. She was 58. She was born in Philadelphia, Pa., to Elizabeth and Edward Moos. She resided in the Eugene and Corvallis areas starting in 1990. Abbie was a lifelong student, receiving a bachelor of science degree in 1973 from Pennsylvania State University, a master of science degree in 1978 from University of Iowa, a veterinary medicine doctoral degree in 1982 from University of Pennsylvania, and a doctorate in 1997 from Oregon State University. Abbie was also certified as a veterinary acupuncturist in 1998. After moving to Eugene with her family in 1990, Abbie was employed by Springfield-Eugene Emergency Veterinary Hospital until her retirement in 2007. From 1998 to this year, she also had a private veterinary acupuncture practice with clients in the Eugene and Corvallis areas. Abbie loved her work with animals. When asked by a reporter for an alumni magazine if the long hours in the emergency hospital followed by appointments with acupuncture clients were leaving her any time to enjoy life, she replied, “I am the luckiest person in the world.” Abbie was recently honored with the Massachusetts Veterinary Medicine Association Merit Award for her volunteer work with the Association’s Mazunte Project, spaying and neutering dogs to protect endangered sea turtles on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. Next to her family, friends and work, Abbie’s greatest love was her horses. She rode eventing horses, and competed in horse trials in Oregon, Washington and Montana. Abbie loved growing flowers and creating bouquets to share with her friends. Her passion, love, intelligence and joy will be missed by the people and animals whose lives she shared. Abbie is survived by her life partner, Tom Leach of Philomath; daughter Lily Schwering Armstrong of Seattle; son Jamie Schwering of San Diego; and brother Joe Moos of Enfield, Conn. A picnic celebration of Abbie’s life will take place at the family home beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 30. Please e-mail [email protected] aol.com for directions or other information. Memorial contributions can be made to Benton Hospice Service, 2350 N.W. Professional Drive, Corvallis, OR 97330.