[Editor’s note: Except for the introductory paragraphs, which were written by the editor, this obituary was written by Lori Hansroth.]
If only the citizens of Morgan County, the citizens of the United States, had the civic energy and the civic IQ of Jeanne Mozier.
She was our most engaged citizen. And whether you agree or disagree with her philosophy, her politics, or her outlook on life, you can agree to this – she dedicated her life to the betterment of her community.
She was such a force in local and West Virginia life that she was one of the few, if not the only, guest on a local talk radio show that had her own theme song and introduction.
On Eastern Panhandle Talk with Rob Mario and David Welch, where she was a regular guest, Mario introduced her as “Ivy League educated, CIA indoctrinated, Morgan County marinated Jeanne Mozier” to the theme song of the television show “I Dream of Jeannie.”
Mozier, 75, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia passed away at her home on Thursday, November 26, 2020.
Jeanne was a “West Virginian by choice” after purchasing a Morgan County farm in 1975 with her beloved husband of nearly 50 years, Jack Soronen.
Two years later Jeanne and Jack purchased and renovated the historic Star Theatre where she became the official “popcorn empress.”
Jeanne claimed that their original Manley machine made the best popcorn in four states.
Visitors could find the duo at the Star Theatre every weekend for 42 years until their retirement last year when they sold the theatre.
Jeanne didn’t just move to Morgan County in 1975 – once she was here she began moving Morgan County.
Armed with an indomitable spirit and keen sense of vision. Jeanne was committed to giving back to her community. Her dedicated passionate efforts in community building through promoting the arts, tourism and local economic development led Berkeley Springs to many awards and becoming, as she dubbed it, “the center of the universe.”
Over the years Jeanne held seats on many influential local boards.
Berkeley Springs’ national reputation as a top small arts town is owed to Jeanne’s unwavering efforts in helping establish the Morgan Arts Council.
She tackled fundraising, grant writing, and marketing and wasn’t afraid to make the tough calls. She was the founding president of the Morgan County Visitors and Convention Bureau, Travel Berkeley Springs, and served as their marketing director.
Jeanne was drawn to the warm mineral springs that bubbled from the park in the heart of the Town of Bath and immersed herself in the history and culture that surrounded them.
She was recognized by all as the area’s chief historian and was the founding president and major force behind the Museum of the Berkeley Springs.
She was a co-producer of the Morgan County Bicentennial project. Jeanne often shared that when she attended her first Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce meeting she found the group ready to dissolve the organization.
She made them hold on and then served on their board for 40 out of the last 45 years.
Jeanne, Connie Perry and a few friends were responsible for resurrecting the floundering Apple Butter Festival in the 1970s and she took on the challenging role of the “Voice of the Festival,” directing the throngs from the gazebo.
Jeanne was a longtime board member of the Morgan County Economic Development Authority and was an integral member of the Bath Landmark Commission.
Jeanne’s impressive and award-winning local work led to many invitations to serve on state and national committees, as well as a litany of personal recognitions and awards from local, state and national levels.
She was named one of the Girl Scouts’ first Women of Distinction.
Born March 27, 1945 to Marge and Gene Mozier in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jeanne held degrees from both Cornell University and Columbia University in New York City.
Recruited out of graduate school by the CIA, she worked at the American Political Science Association, then later for the DC Court system as a planner.
Jeanne was an award-winning author of six books, several short stories and she staged four plays. She was a sought after political advisor and renowned astrologer.
Her annual Oracles lectures drew hundreds from around the region while recordings are played all over the world. She published daily astrological messages on social media that were followed by thousands.
Jeanne leaves her best friend and husband, Jack Soronen, her sister Barb Wolfe and brother in law Greg Wolfe, and many friends who know that she’s shining brightly among the stars.
A Celebration of Life will be announced and held at a later date when everyone may gather together.
To honor Jeanne’s memory, contributions may be made to her passion projects – the Morgan Arts Council, the Museum of the Berkeley Springs or simply by volunteering to make your community a better place.