Mabel "Overlie" Cossette

Mabel (Overlie) Cossette was born Feb. 10, 1919, in Williams County, N.D. She died peacefully Nov. 12, 2014, at home surrounded by family at the age of 95. Mabel was the oldest of five children born to Norwegian immigrant parents, Edvard and Elise Overlie. She married Dale Cossette Aug. 16, 1941, and they spent over 73 years together as husband and wife. Mabel graduated from Minot State Teachers College in May 1941. She met her husband, Dale, soon after she moved to Antler, N.D., to start her first teaching job and boarded at his grandparent's home. After WWII, the couple made their home in Portland. In addition to raising their children, Gary and Carmen, Mabel had a long teaching career of more than 40 years. She was a strong matriarch to her family and will be remembered for her spunk, independence and strong will. Always energetic and young for her age, Mabel enjoyed a long and active retirement filled with travel. She was an avid dancer and lover of music. She and Dale had their last dance together just three weeks before her passing. They danced to "Waltzing with the Angels." She is survived by her beloved husband, Dale; children, Gary and Carmen; daughter-in-law, Sharron; younger brother, John; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. A memorial service to celebrate Mabel's life will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, at Wilhelm's Portland Memorial, 6705 S.E. 14th Ave., Portland. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Adventist Health Hospice, 5835 N.E. 122nd Ave., Suite 135, Portland, OR 97230. Service Information