Derry Ann Moritz
Derry Ann Moritz peacefully died at home in Davis, CA. on September 6, 2017, surrounded by family and friends. Days before, with a smile on her face, Derry confided that she’d had lengthy discussions with deceased brother Danny and husband Chuck, who were waiting for her to join them in heaven. She was very ready for her next great adventure.
Derry Ann was born in Beatrice, NE on July 22, 1935. Some years later, with brothers Danny and Alan, the family moved to Sun Valley, Idaho, where for many years she skied and hiked the Sawtooth Mountains with her two brothers. She attended high school at Annie Wright Seminary in Tacoma, Washington and graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA in 1957. She earned her nursing degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH and completed her MEd at Columbia University in New York City, NY. Derry Ann moved to Boston, MA where she worked at Mass General Hospital, and in 1970 met and married George Osenton. George died shortly after and Derry Ann maintained a lasting relationship her with stepson, Tom. She moved to New Haven, CT, continued working for hospice at Branford & Yale hospitals, & met and married Charles "Chuck" Shepard in 1980.
Derry Ann and Chuck travelled extensively and in 1988 settled in Albuquerque, NM where they enjoyed hiking the great outdoors, and became knowledgable concerning all things Native American. In 2007 they moved to Davis, CA to be closer to family. Derry Ann considered Chuck the "greatest teacher" she had known and she experienced great loss when he died in 2010. In the years that followed she continued being a positive and productive member of the URC community where she enjoyed many lasting friendships. She treasured and supported her church and enjoyed a deep spiritual belief. Derry Ann will be remembered as one who was stoic, had a great sense of humor and who loved deeply, not just those close to her, but mankind and animals as well. A loving sister, adoring aunt and dear friend, she will be missed by many.
Predeceased by her parents, Dr. John and Mary Ellen Moritz, brother Danny and husbands George Osenton and Charles "Chuck" Shepard, Derry Ann is survived by her brother Alan Moritz and his wife MaryLee of Sacramento, sister-in-law Janis Moritz of Flagstaff, AZ, stepdaughter Carrie Shepard (Dan) of Davis, CA, and stepsons Tim Shepard (Andra) of Portland, OR, Charlie Shepard (Wendy) of Reno, NV, and Tom Osenton of Ketchum, Idaho, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.
A celebration of her life will be held at the United Methodist Church of Davis, CA, 1620 Anderson Rd. at 1PM on October 29th, 2017, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local SPCA.