Zoë Lynne Mullin

Zoë Lynne Mullin passed away peacefully, with family by her side, on December 29, 2024. Even though she graced this world for only a brief 21 years of time, she lived a very full and vibrant life, touching all who knew her.

Zoë Lynne Mullin was born in Portland, Oregon, on February 17, 2003, to Roma J. Wood and Erinn D. Mullin. She grew up in a loving home with her mother and father, Brien L. Wood, surrounded by family who adored her.

Anyone who met Zoë was instantly struck by the size of her heart and her effervescent spirit. She made it her top priority to make sure family and friends were taken care of, often before her own needs were met.

Zoë had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. If she wanted to do it, she would find a way… and she wanted to try everything! Her resume of activities and interests seemed to constantly grow, including: cheerleading, girl scouts, clarinet, volleyball, basketball, roller derby (despite barely being able to skate), swim team (despite barely knowing how to swim), Outdoor School counselor, lacrosse (her major passion), leadership groups, running for Class President, photography, and on and on…

In whatever Zoë attempted, she excelled. Some of her most notable achievements include graduating one year early from Mountainside High School (in Beaverton, Oregon), successfully getting an exception to enroll in the US Army at age 17 (after scoring a perfect 100%), receiving an Army Achievement Medal for Exceptional Meritorious Service of Duty, and being awarded the Certificate of Achievement for attaining a 96 on her EMT MOD2 exam.

In June 2021, Zoë’s life took a dramatic turn, when she was admitted into a military hospital. Through a CT Scan, doctors discovered a significant size mass in her brain. Following multiple hospital visits across multiple states and two brain surgeries, doctors were able to diagnose the unidentified mass as a rare pediatric brain tumor and cyst that were putting intense amount of pressure on her pituitary and hypothalamus. Additionally diagnosed as inoperable, Zoë began a long journey through chemotherapy and medication treatments.

True to form, Zoë never stopped fighting or smiling throughout a full three years of aggressive medical care. Zoë’s medical challenges unfortunately meant needing to prematurely abandon her desired path of serving as a US Army Specialist Combat Medic and of pursuing the demanding career of an EMT/ Paramedic, but she did not give up on her field of interest just because her physical difficulties became a factor. Instead, she swiftly changed course to put her education and passion to use in a role as medical office support, serving as an Office Coordinator for an Orthopedic and Fracture Clinic.

All of Zoë’s achievements were a direct result of her energetic application of sound judgment and extremely hard work. Her attention to detail, appearance, cooperative spirit, and dedication were present in all she undertook. Zoë’s ability to persevere, never give up, and inspire will surely be part of a legacy, not soon forgotten by all the lives she touched.

Zoë is survived by her parents: Roma J. Wood, Brien L. Wood; biological father, Erinn D. Mullin; three siblings: Bobby M. Gifford, Sophia R. Mullin, and Daniel A. Wood; grandparents: John and Ellen Mullin, Dan and Shari Wood; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

A private graveside service with Military Honors was held at Willamette National Cemetery on January 24, 2025. Zoë’s resting place can be visited by anyone wishing to pay respects.

A future Celebration of Life is being planned, and the date will be announced here once scheduled.

For those wishing to make contributions to honor Zoë’s memory, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the charitable organization “Stand For Trees.”