Feb. 7, 1928 — Nov. 3, 2025
Aleen Bessonette was born in Portland on Feb. 7, 1928, to Allen Harold Mooers and Alice Camile Glover Mooers.
Her early days were spent in logging camps where her father was a construction engineer on his father’s logging railroad. Later, the family settled on farm and ranching land on the Columbia River near Skamokowa, Washington. The area was only accessible in those days by river boats.
While attending the University of Oregon, she met the son of a family friend and married Noel Lynn Bessonette Sr. on Oct. 19, 1947. The new couple moved to Medford and had their first child, Noel Lynn “Skip” Bessonette Jr., in 1949. Their daughter, Jane Alison Bessonette Schrepping, was born in 1966.
The family moved to Ashland, where they owned and operated the B & G Restaurant. Aleen attended Southern Oregon College. For the next 26 years, she became a third-grade teacher (with distinction) at Phoenix Elementary School. Aleen was also an accomplished pianist, performing in many churches and schools and for Masonic events.
After retirement and the death of her husband, Lynn, she moved to Fountain Plaza Retirement Home, where she resided for 19 years. While there, she donated her knitting skills, providing children’s caps and sweaters. She raised a food and flower garden, and enjoyed puzzles and games with her friends.
Aleen is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Nancy Joan Mooers Holman and Maurice Charles Mooers and grandson Travis Alexander Bessonette. She leaves family members: sister Susan Maxine Mooers Geiser (Michael) and niece Stacey; son Skip Bessonette (Caroline); daughter Jane Schrepping (Scot), and grandson Ivan.
Aleen was a life member of Gamma Theta Upsilon Sorority, Alpha Chapter of the Masonic Eastern Star, Daughters of the American Revolution,and the Sons and Daughters of Oregon Pioneers.
She will be laid to rest with Lynn in Scenic Hills Cemetery, Ashland. May she rest in peace with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
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