Obituary of Magdalene Atem-Ossiander

Our beloved wife and mother, Magdalene “Meg” Atem-Ossiander, passed away peacefully in Olympia, Washington, on November 17, 2023, at the age of 56. Her generosity and joy for life will never be forgotten.

 

She is survived by her husband, Eric Ossiander, and son, Nathan Ossiander, both of Olympia; sister, Susanna Kleis of California; brothers, Pastor Richard Atem, Haddison Atem and Dr. Paul Atem of Cameroon, Lucas Atem of Brazil; and many, many nieces and nephews in nearly every corner of the world. She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, James Atem; and her sisters, Rebecca Agborbesong and Dr. Helen Chendi.

 

Meg was born on July 4, 1967, in Ossing, Cameroon, and was forever proud of sharing a birthday with her adopted country. She lost her father shortly before she was born and was always grateful to the Presbyterian missionaries who helped support her family during her childhood. She had fond memories of growing up in the mission, sneaking out of nap time to raid the mango trees, and learning to sew and crochet from the missionary Sisters. After completing high school in Cameroon and spending one year at the University of Yaounde, she came to the U.S., where she earned a pharmacy degree at the University of Washington. She later earned a Pharmacy Doctorate degree at the University of Florida.

 

Meg had a fierce determination to succeed, first in school, then in work. She loved her work and was deeply committed to the well-being of both her staff and her patients. She loved being with her family, even when she was driving them to distraction with her spirited insistence that the house be kept clean and tidy. She also enjoyed working in her flower beds, singing, and crocheting. She loved entertaining friends with fancy tea parties. Meg was always early – early to bed, early to rise, early to work, early to appointments, and in the end, far too early to leave us. She believed firmly that she was just going early into the loving embrace of a waiting Heaven.

 

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 16, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at True Grace Church, 5615 30^th Ave. SE, Lacey, WA 98503, with a reception at the church immediately following the service.

 

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