OSWEGO – Vivian Anderson Mosbo, 83, of Oswego, passed away on December 27, 2023.
Born in Omaha NE, she was the daughter of the late A. Walter and Mildred (Peterson)Anderson.
She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Wheaton College and a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Nebraska. After raising her two sons, she enrolled at Syracuse University and earned a second master’s degree (in Computer Science) and a PhD in Mathematics Education.
Vivian had a successful career teaching mathematics that spanned from 1967-2009. Before earning her Ph.D., she taught at many schools on many levels including Cal State Fullerton, Nebraska Wesleyan, George Jr. Republic, SUNY Cortland, Ithaca College, and Hartwick College. After earning her Ph.D. she taught for twelve years at Hamilton College and then eleven years at SUNY Oswego. She loved teaching and could pass her passion for mathematics to her students, many of whom remained her friends for years.
Vivian married E. Paul Mosbo in 1965 and had her sons Jon and Christopher soon after. The family moved to Cortland, New York in 1970. In the mid 70’s, Paul suggested to Vivan that if she were to play the cello, they could have a family string quartet, as Jon and Christopher were playing violin from a young age. Vivan, always game, began taking lessons with Carrie Hocket, and the family string quartet was soon formed. She continued her lessons with Janet Nepke while teaching at Hartwick College and became good enough to play with the Catskill Symphony. Her love of music lasted a lifetime and she and her husband supported Symphoria (originally Syracuse Symphony) and Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music and were regular attendees at their concerts.
An avid bicyclist, she rode across the state of Iowa three times (1979-1981) with RAGBRAI (The Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) with her sons and friends from Cortland.
In 1975, Vivian helped start an AWVV (Aid to Women Victims of Violence) chapter in Cortland. After she retired from teaching, she volunteered her time as a tutor for a local literacy project.
Vivian was loved by her family, friends, students, and colleagues. She had a remarkable ability to make life-long friends wherever she went. We will always remember her warm personality, positive attitude, friendly smile, witty banter, and infectious laugh. We are all blessed to have had her in our lives.
Vivian is survived by her husband E. Paul Mosbo, sons Jon and Christopher Mosbo, grandsons Karl and Andrew Mosbo, and her siblings Marti Criss and Ken Anderson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mildred Anderson.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Cortland YWCA AVV
Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, from 3-6 pm at Nelson Funeral Home, 11 West Albany Street, Oswego NY. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.
