Peggy Kelso Mussehl

‘To laugh often and love much- To find the best in others- To give of one's self- To leave the world a little better’… (W. Emerson) This is the life of Peggy Kelso Mussehl. Known for her warmth and sense of humor, Peggy was a dear and loyal friend to many— lighting up rooms with her smile... A self-less and devoted mother, first to Marsha and Judy Mussehl, but later to her treasured dogs, Angel and Misty. A loving grandmother to Amira and Nora Aziz. She led by example in kind patience and unyielding resilience in the face of all challenges. Born in Atlantic, Iowa in 1933 to Frances and William Kelso. The baby and only girl to three protective brothers- William R. Kelso, Jack Kelso and Robert Kelso. Peggy grew up rich with love and caring from a large extended family in the small Iowa town. From an early age Peggy quietly endured and overcame health issues. From age 3, she had to be away from her loving mother, Frances for months at time while being treated at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. It was there that Peggy was brought into the fold of warm and dedicated Nurses - they planted the seeds of her life-long passion for patient care. She followed the Nursing path with a B.S. in Nursing from University of Iowa and later in her 50’s obtained a M.S. in Nursing Administration from Montana State. Peggy had wide-ranging nursing experiences for 52 years from working at the Indy 500, to being the President of the American Nurses Association during the Clinton Administration. She volunteered and advocated for public policy for Nursing in D.C. and over decades with the Montana Nurses Association. She fought for patient-centered, high quality health-care and expanded educational/professional opportunities for fellow nurses. Whether carrying a picket sign, working night shifts, treating college students at MSU or writing policy for national nursing standards; Peggy Mussehl- was a Nurse for the Nurses and a life-long care-giver. From humble beginnings, but with infectious positivity, she had a strength of conviction to do right by family, friends, and fellow care-givers. ‘To leave the world a little better’- This is the life of Peggy Kelso Mussehl. Condolences may be sent to: Judy Mussehl-Aziz 623 Walnut St. Petaluma, CA 94952.