Rose Ann “Rosie” Cordier, a devoted nurse, loving mother, and radiant presence in the lives of so many, passed away peacefully at her home in Eugene on March 1st at the age of 79. Born on April 25, 1945, in DuBois, Pennsylvania, Rosie’s early life was shaped by her parents’ military service and her own adventurous spirit. She spent parts of her childhood overseas, including cherished years in Munich, Germany — a home that forever had a place in her heart.
Rosie found her calling as a nurse and graduated in 1967 from Samuel Merritt College in Oakland, California. She worked in Sacramento, California, then moved with her family to Coos Bay in 1977, serving in the ICU/CCU at Bay Area Hospital for 43 years with remarkable compassion, intelligence, and dedication. Fiercely committed to her patients and their families, she was a tireless advocate and a true healer, known for her kindness, skill, and sharp mind. Even after retirement, she continued to serve others through nonprofit work and, in true Rosie fashion, at the age of 78, saved a stranger’s life administering CPR for 10 minutes by herself.
Rosie was married to Ray Cordier from 1968-2019 and was the beloved mother of four children — Ann, Chris, Victoria, and Alex — all of whom she proudly called “her babies.” Her home was a hub of joyful chaos, full of laughter, many pets, music, and made-up songs. Rosie loved a good joke and a glass of wine as well as spontaneous adventures, funny movies, beach days, and connecting with the people around her — whether they were lifelong friends or neighbors she had just met.
Though not known for her domestic prowess (her sewing and baking experiments were legendary for all the wrong reasons), Rosie was brilliant in every way that truly mattered. Her laugh was contagious, her heart enormous, and her impact immeasurable. She made everyone feel seen, heard, and loved — and her legacy lives on in the thousands of lives she impacted.
She is survived by her children (including children by marriage Ilse, Charlotte, Judith, and Toby) and beloved grandchildren (Samantha, Sean, Julia Rose, and Elena), her extended family, her many dear friends and colleagues, and the countless patients whose lives she touched.
A celebration of life will be held at Shore Acres Garden Cottage from 3-5pm on Saturday, May 3, where we’ll raise a glass, tell stories, and laugh in her honor — just as she would’ve wanted.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation in Rosie’s name to the Red Cross or to the Coos County Animal Shelter.
If you knew her, you were lucky. If she loved you, you were blessed.