Mozelle Porter Kooy, age 91, died peacefully at home, on the evening of October 31, 2017.

Mozelle Porter came into this world on November 7, 1925, at the beginning of a harsh winter in the hills of southwestern Virginia. At 3lbs 9ozs, her entrance did not portend survival. But the fight was in her from the beginning, and with the loving attention of her mother, Ruth James Porter, she made it to springtime on Grassland Farm, located between Speedwell and Rural Retreat.

As the last of five children, on a large farm during the Great Depression, her circumstances and prospects were not bright. But her tenacity and drive helped keep her eyes on the prize: an education and a way to a life beyond the confines of her small village. At the time, women were not expected to pursue higher education, but the support of her beloved Father, Andrew Lindsey Porter, helped her find the confidence and resources to enter Radford College.

At Radford, she quickly realized that one degree was not going to be enough for her ambitions. She earned both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees during her time there.

In 1947 she began her teaching career in Bristol, Virginia. She soon longed for greater knowledge, and began Graduate School at the University of Virginia, where she became one of just a handful of women to receive a Master's Degree. Her principle work at UVA involved a then-heretical proposition: that IQ testing was highly culturally biased, and did not accurately measure many aspects of children's intelligence. As such, the thesis held, it represented a malign effect on many children.

1951 found her at the wedding of her sister, Evelyn Porter. The handsome best man at the wedding was Pete Kooy, a Navy pilot. Pete's heroic achievements during the Second World War and dashing good looks ignited Mozelle's heart. They were married a year later.

Mozelle gave birth to her beloved sons, David Peter Kooy, in 1957, and Christian Porter Kooy, in 1959.

By 1963, the Kooys found themselves in the unique and beautiful town of Sudbury, Massachusetts where Mozelle thrived in the intellectual climate of greater Boston and worked as a School psychologist for the Sudbury school system. She initiated numerous innovative programs, but took the greatest pride in working to produce alternative curricula and teaching methodologies for children with high intelligence but who were held back by ADHD, which was then called "hyperactivity."

By 1978, with the boys through school and the worst blizzard of the 20 ^th century besetting Massachusetts, the controversial decision to depart Sudbury for the glorious beaches of Pensacola where she could keep the top down on her convertible all year round was made.

Mozelle did not take to retirement at the age of 53 and began her own private psychological practice in Pensacola while also investing in real estate. These investments eventually led her to partner in her son David's acquisition and renovation of a loft building in New York City.

A great love of the American Songbook and a nice piano allowed Mozelle to teach herself to play and her music often filled the house. Even after she had lost her ability to speak, she could play Stardust.

Mozelle's greatest challenge began after Pete's death in 2003, when she began her fight with dementia. The battle was long and slow, but throughout she maintained the brilliant and engaging smile that kept all who knew her believing there is hope in this world. Her hardwired tenacity kept her will to go on intact until the very end. She was heartened to recall the words of John Milton as her incapacity consumed her: "They also serve who only stand and wait."

Until the end, her quality of life was maintained at extraordinary levels through the diligent efforts of a team of medical personnel, trust administrators and most especially, numerous beautiful home caregivers. Kimberly Jackson attended Mozelle with incredible enthusiasm, joy and intelligence over a 14-year period. Doris Smith provided excellent loving care for 10 years, and Andrea Parsons of WFLHC ran the whole show starting in 2003. It was through all that heroic help that Mozelle could stay in her home until the end.

She is survived by her devoted sons, David Kooy of Brooklyn, NY; and Christian Kooy of Pensacola and her grandson, Justin Emmons of Pensacola.

A funeral cortege will depart Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 11:00am for a Memorial Service to begin 12:00noon Monday, November 6, 2017 at All Faith Chapel, NAS Pensacola with Chaplain Ken Griffin officiating. A reception luncheon will follow. At a later date, Mozelle's remains will be inurned with her husband at Barrancas National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Mozelle's name can be made to the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.

Mozelle has, as she often urged others, fought the good fight, kept the faith and now, she has finished the race.