Salem – Nadine Heusser, a Salem resident age 75, passed into the hands of God on December 23, 2017 after a lengthy illness. She was born in Trona, California, the oldest of three children. Her parents, Robert and Lenore (Hampton) Smith moved to Richland, Washington, where Nadine Smith graduated with honors from Richland High School. After graduating from Whitworth College, she taught school in Battleground Washington. Heading God’s calling, she, volunteered to be a Protestant missionary. After just two weeks’ training, she left for her first post in Egypt.
Although she established a successful mission, Nadine and all other American’s had to flee Egypt under the threat of “death to all Americans” at end of the the 1967 Israeli – Arab war which Egypt lost. Having an American Express card saved her life, as all her money was stolen. Nadine’s next missionary assignment was in Iran, a safer country in those days After completing her missionary program, Nadine returned to the U.S. and taught school at Kennewick, Washington. In 1971, she married Roger Heusser of Tillamook, Oregon.
The Heusser’s moved to Frederick, Maryland, where Nadine again taught school. Nadine was President elect of the League of Women voters and lead a successful effort to strengthen state laws to reduce drunken drivers. She was chair of the Frederick County Women’s fair in 1971.
After retiring, Nadine and Roger moved to Salem, Oregon where Nadine became a strong supporter of the arts. She was President of the Historic Bush House Auxiliary volunteers at Bush Pasture Park for the Salem Art Association (SAA); President of the Gallery Guide volunteers; member of the Bush House Museum and Garden Committees. Her honors include being twice designated SAA volunteer of the year. Nadine twice received Distinguished Service Awards from the City of Salem for her volunteer accomplishments. Nadine was on the board of directors for Woodland Chapel and the Salem Concert Orchestra. She was music director for several organizations and enjoyed singing in various choirs. Nadine opened her historic house for many events, where she often played her 1876 grand piano for her guests enjoyment. Her collection of dolls, formerly displayed in the windows of her home, were admired by passers by, young and old alike. During her retirement, Nadine enjoyed worldwide travels with Roger. She particularly liked St. Petersburg, Russia, Jerusalem, Beijing and cruising the European rivers viewing the ancient castles.
Nadine is survived by her husband Roger Heusser and her sons Andrew of Redding, California Matthew of Allegan, Michigan, and five granddaughters, her sister Maureen May of Kennewick, Washington and brother Alan Smith of Marysville, Washington, and her sister in-law Caroll Heusser Collard of Blagnac, France. Services will be held 11 am Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Woodland Chapel 582 High Street, Salem, Oregon. Assisting the family is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
Published in StatesmanJournal on Dec. 28, 2017