Molly Jeanne Reiss

Born in North Bend, Oregon, on August 21, 1950, Molly brought joy to anyone who had the good fortune to know her. She was raised mostly in Beaverton, Oregon where her father, D. Herbert Armstrong, was Superintendent of the Beaverton School District, and her mother Janette Moses Armstrong, was an English teacher. The youngest of five sisters, Molly thrived in a family that shared her love of music, outdoors, education, flowers, tradition and mostly, by far, each other. In 1962 her father accepted an offer to establish schools at the Mangla Dam Project in northern Pakistan; from age 12 to 17 she resided there, and traveled the world with her family. Her experiences left her with wonderful stories, empathy toward all people, and an appreciation of American democracy and inclusion. Upon her return to the United States, Molly graduated from South Eugene High School, attended Oregon State University, graduated from Pacific University (where she met and fell in love with a young optometry student), and received her Masters in Education from University of Portland. She and Norm were married in 1972 at Pacific University. Her years as an early grade school teacher began in Hillsboro, continued in North Bend, Oregon; Vancouver, Washington and then to Salem where she taught for over 27 years. She was loved by her colleagues and 900+ students who now as adults have given her hugs all over South Salem. Most recently a nurse at Salem Hospital could not get used to calling her Molly and had to call her Mrs. Reiss.

As long as she was able, Molly loved traveling, especially a trip to England and Scotland with two of her sisters and all of their husbands. She loved her garden, camping with her family, her books and music, her dogs and cats and her dear friends and family.

Molly is survived by her loving husband, Norm, her sons Ben (Shannon) and Nathan (Rosie); her sisters Judith Lynn Coleman (Don), Kathleen Wildman (Tony), and Laurie Carter; and grandchildren Connor House, Tessa Reiss, and Sam Reiss; and several dear nephews and nieces. She is predeceased by her sister Joan Lorraine, and brother-in-law Alan Carter of Silverton.

Molly fought a rare and difficult immune system disorder for more than a decade, but it became terminal after breaking her back this February. The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff at the Salem Hospital Telemetry ward and the staff at Vista River Hospice for such compassionate care.

Her sons say, "We could not respect and admire a person more. Mom was a beacon of love, selflessness, and strength. She set an example of humanity we can only attempt to match."

Her smile and laughter lit up our world. Molly will be deeply missed. There will be a memorial service June 1 at 1:00PM in the Rose Garden at Bush Park in Salem.