Glenda Ostlund Bossen

Glenda was born on December 10, 1940, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where she spent her early years before leaving to attend Northwestern University. Glenda had one older sister, Twyla who was a devoted friend and fellow musician. Glenda had one younger brother, Carl, who passed away at the age of 11. Her son, Adam, carries a middle name of Carl in honor of Glenda’s brother. It was there at Northwestern, while pursuing her studies in music, that she met the love of her life, Douglas Craig Bossen. They were married on March 18, 1966, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned nearly sixty years.

The couple first made their home in Poughkeepsie, New York, where Doug built a successful career as an electrical engineer with IBM and Glenda flourished as an accomplished cellist and music educator. She performed with Hudson Valley Philharmonic and taught cello for more than 30 years. Among her most cherished traditions were her cello recitals held at local nursing homes—performances her sons, Adam and Andrew, remember fondly, both for the beauty of her music and the famously warm rooms in which she played, always with joy and generosity of spirit.

Having earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University and majoring in cello, Glenda’s passion for music extended deeply into her family life. She taught Adam and Andrew to shape music with both precision and emotion, instilling skills in piano, guitar, and voice for which they remain profoundly grateful.

In June of 1993, Glenda and Doug moved to Austin, Texas, where she became a faithful and deeply involved member of Hyde Park Baptist Church. One of the great joys of her life was teaching fourth grade Sunday school, a role she approached with creativity, devotion, and love. She was known for her elaborate Passover ceremonies, imaginative Bible story demonstrations, and thoughtfully prepared snacks—always neatly portioned into Dixie cups. Teaching alongside her husband for nearly 20 years, Glenda and Doug formed a dynamic and beloved team that impacted generations of children.

Glenda’s life was marked by extraordinary perseverance. At the age of 20, she survived a severe case of Guillain-Barré syndrome, spending weeks in an iron lung and narrowly escaping death. The illness left her with lasting lung damage and chronic pain, which she bore with remarkable courage and grace throughout her life. Her family is deeply grateful for the physicians who later helped her find relief and healing from years of difficult treatments.

Glenda loved traveling with Doug in their later years in their RV. They were able to bring their beloved dogs with them; Bahia and later Coco. She loved visiting Coastal Georgia and South Carolina- Jekyll Island and going to music festivals in Charleston. They met the family in Breckenridge every summer for many years to spend time with their sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren for a reunion until health issues precluded them from attending.

Above all, Glenda had a gift for seeing those who were often unseen. She made people feel welcomed, cherished, and valued—whether through music, teaching, faith, or simple acts of kindness. Her warmth and compassion left an enduring mark on all who knew her.

Glenda’s legacy lives on through her family, her students, her music, and the countless lives she touched with grace, faith, and love.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Douglas Craig Bossen; her sons and their spouses, Andrew and Jennifer Bossen of Sherman, TX and Adam and Heather Bossen of Belton, TX; and her four beloved grandchildren, Drew, Bella, Addie, and Lucy Bossen.

Glenda’s memorial service will be held on Friday, April 3 at 11 am at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, located at 5416 Parkcrest Drive in Austin, TX. A reception will immediately follow.