It is with profund sadness that we must report the passing of Mitchie Moe, wife of our immediate past general director, John Moe. Mitchie died this morning after a 10 year battle with cancer. She was a long-term active member and strong supporter of RHA. Mitchie was a successful hybridizer with many varieties introduced to the market. Per Mitchie’s wishes, there will be a private burial service with a memorial service to be scheduled later.
Please join me in extending our condolences and best wishes to John.
John, please accept my condolences on the passing of Mitchie. In the west of Ireland where my people come from they have a saying that is appropriate here, I think - she will be greatly regretted by all who knew her and all she touched.
Of course I never knew Mitchie, but I had read about her in the RHA Newsletters with interest, so that in itself makes a connection and hence I am sad to hear about this. Sounds like she was a real strong lady under her circumstances !
We have been advised that any donations in rememberance of Mitchie Moe can be made to The American Rose Society, The American Cancer Society or to The Rose Hybridizers Association.
I am so sorry to hear of Mitchie’s passing, and my condolences go out to you. I have read some of Mitchies’ articles about flower arranging and Ikebana, and her love of roses truly showed up in her writing. Our thoughts and good wishes go out to you. Take care.
Thank you for all of the postings expressing your sincere condolences on the passing of Mitchie. From the number I received from this forum, other e-mails and cards, I really can see how many knew of her deep love for roses. She was the hybridizer – I was the ‘gopher’, although I did dabble in it. She was extremely helpful in anything I wrote regarding rose growing, care and hybridizing. One of her favorite places on a sunny day in winter was in the greenhouse, tending her ‘babies’. Two of my favorites of her many hybrids are ‘Seattle Sunrise’ and ‘Hot To Trot’, the vivid orange–red that is on the opening page of this website.
Thank you again for the compassion that you put into your condolences. They were very comforting to me at a difficult time. Losing parents or siblings is difficult; losing a spouse is something totally different, even though it was expected after a 10 year battle with cancer. I know that those of you that have know what it means, as it does take on a very different meaning for those you love when you reflect on that phrase of our wedding vows when we pledge – “For better or worseâ€. I hope that she will be remembered not only for being a very special lady, but through her roses.