Jeanette Carol Mooers

Jeanette Carol Mooers (Mathiesen) passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born January 16, 1938, in Eugene, Oregon, to Edmund and Helen Mathiesen (Walrath), Jeanette lived a life that was anything but ordinary. She was strong-willed, charismatic, passionate, fiercely independent, and—above all—someone who loved hard. When Jeanette loved you, you knew it.

Jeanette was raised in Eugene, Oregon, but Eatonville, Washington became her home for more than 60 years. She was much more than a resident of Eatonville; she was part of its community. She had an active presence in the community and formed connections with the people around her wherever life took her. Jeanette was a proud member of the  Mount Rainier Eagles Aerie 3158 in Eatonville, and a lifelong member of the Women’s VFW and Upper Nisqually Sportsmen Club.

Jeanette knew the meaning of hard work. Throughout her life she worked as a chef at the University of Washington Pack Forest, and at different times as a bartender, housemaid, roofer, and even a farmer. There wasn't much Jeanette wouldn't try, and there certainly wasn't much she couldn't figure out for herself. Telling Jeanette something was impossible was often just an invitation for her to prove otherwise. 

She loved to cook and bake for others. Law enforcement officers and firefighters were frequent recipients of her generosity, and she regularly sent homemade baked goods to military personnel stationed overseas. She had a way of making people feel cared for, often through a plate of food, a box of cookies, or simply by showing up. And if you were lucky enough to have her fried chicken, you knew there was no other fried chicken quite like Jeanette's.

Jeanette found happiness in the things she loved. She collected mouse figurines, tended lovingly to her roses and Christmas cacti, and was an avid gardener. She was also an incredibly talented artist and devoted crafter who expressed her creativity through drawing, crocheting, embroidery, and countless handmade creations. Even in her final years at Fieldstone Memory Care, Jeanette spent her days doing art and crafts, teaching the gardeners a thing or two about gardening, and playing cards with her friends.  

She was also a woman who had known hardship. Her life was not always easy, but Jeanette had an extraordinary ability to keep going. She endured, she fought, and she carried on. Perhaps nothing captures her spirit better than her own words:

“I outlived them, and watch me, I will outlive you too if you're not careful.”

That was Jeanette.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Helen Mathiesen; her husbands, Norman Mooers, John Savlick, Charles Percell, and Manual Lopez; her daughter, Christy Leonard; and her brother, Robert Mathiesen.

She leaves behind her children, Leonard Lopez (Lynn), and Carol De Loza; her grandchildren Alyssa Sterr (Jeff), Jonathon Leonard (Alyse), and Talia Savlick; and great-grandchildren Zachary Sterr, John-Audley Jackson Jr., and Everett Sterr. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Carolyn, wife of her late brother Robert.

Jeanette's family will miss her more than words can say. They will miss her stories, stubbornness, and laughter. They will miss the gatherings that somehow always became bigger and louder than expected. They will miss her gardens, her art, her collections, and the lessons she passed down. But above everything else, they will miss the way she loved, with her whole heart.

Born in Eugene, Oregon, Jeanette spent more than six decades building a life and leaving her mark in Eatonville, Washington. Her final journey brings her home to Eugene. She will be laid to rest at Lane Memorial Gardens alongside her parents, Edmund and Helen.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the teams at Fieldstone Memory Care and Assured Hospice. Over the past year and half, you cared for Jeanette with patience, dignity, compassion, and genuine affection. Thank you for the laughter you shared with her, the comfort you provided, and the kindness you showed our entire family. Your care will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Operation Smile in Jeanette's memory.