Beth Ann Tjon Wosick

Beth Ann Tjon Wosick, 68, Fargo, ND died on Monday, September 3, 2018 at Sanford Medical Center with her beloved husband at her side. She was born on August 17, 1950 to Alphild (Megorden) and Lowell O. Tjon in Lisbon, ND. Beth graduated from Lisbon High School in 1968 (Go Broncos!). She attended the University of North Dakota (Go Sioux!) and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Speech Education and Communications. She remained on campus as the Administrative Secretary for the UND Honors Program, a position that earned her both personal satisfaction and accolades. While at UND, Beth fell in love with Frederick D. Wosick, who proposed marriage in the front seat of a Volkswagen Beetle. They were married soon after on August 19, 1972. Beth and Fred spent their early years living in UND’s married student housing (Tin Huts). Upon the birth of their daughter, Kassia, in 1977, the family moved to Bismarck, ND where they lived for twenty-five years. In 2002, Beth and Fred trekked east and settled permanently in Fargo. Beginning in 1977, Beth served as the Assistant Executive Director for the ND Mental Health Association (NDMHA) in Bismarck. She coordinated a range of mental health programs to support Vietnam Veterans, prevent suicide, domestic violence, farm stress, child abuse and neglect. She implemented the “I’m Thumbody Program,” a self-esteem program for elementary students, and dedicated her creative energies to expanding the NDMHA. In 1987, she became the Administrative Coordinator for the ND Children’s Trust Fund and also the Administrator for the ND Institutional Child Protection Services. Beth was an effective grant writer, developed a Public Service Announcement regarding child abuse using the three wise monkeys (Hear No/See No/Speak No Evil), and organized several national professional conferences. After moving to Fargo in 2002, she came out of retirement to serve as the Executive Director of the Red River Children’s Advocacy Center. Beth was a Licensed Social Worker and remained affiliated with the Red River Valley Hospice Program, the North Dakota Alliance for Children’s Justice, and was a member of the State Board of Directors for Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota through 2008. While Beth cultivated a successful career, she also pursued a variety of personal interests. She was an avid antique collector, focusing her quests on hammered aluminum, vintage postcards, Department 56’s Dickens Christmas Village, and the three wise monkeys. She was an active member of the Minn-Dak Vintage Postcard Collectors Club and the Three Wise Monkeys Collectors Club. Beth was proud of her 100% Norwegian heritage and celebrated it with the Sons of Norway, multiple trips to the motherland, and making Kransekaka (Norwegian wedding cake) for those fortunate enough to know her. She was a talented musician and a robust music lover. She enjoyed theatre productions, live concerts, local arts, national/international travel, cooking, shopping, and playing pinochle and Mahjong with her friends. She hosted effortlessly and made all feel especially welcome in her home. Beth was an amazing mother, an exceptional wife, and an incredible friend. She was an advocate for all creatures great and small, especially children. Beth is survived by her loyal husband of 46 years, wonderful Freddie (Fargo), her loving daughter, Dr. Kassia Wosick (Huntington Beach, CA), her younger sister Margaret “Maggie” (Tjon) Pfeiffer (Robert) (Nebraska), three nieces (Kristie Lawrence, Sara Hasenauer, Amy Vermeline), one nephew (David Pfeiffer), and several grandnieces and grandnephews. She is also survived by her happy Lhasa Apso, Pookie, who misses licking her toes. She will be dearly missed by many supportive, fabulous friends. Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Alphild and Lowell O. Tjon. Throughout her life, Beth was consistently amazing. She made lasting connections with friends, neighbors, and all those with whom she crossed paths. Her joie de vivre was impressive and contagious. She never failed to light up a room with her smile and her jovial personality. Beth’s family wish to thank those at the Roger Maris Cancer Center and Sanford Medical Center for giving her such compassionate care and for sharing so personally in her final moments of laughter. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. The service will begin at 2:00pm, with visitation one hour prior and lively festivities following the ceremony on site. Beth’s final Earthly resting place (inurnment at a later date) will be Oakwood Cemetery, Lisbon, ND. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Metigoshe Ministries, 165 Lake Loop Road, Bottineau, ND 58318-8055 (701-263-4250) or Christus Rex Lutheran Campus Center, 3012 University Ave, Grand Forks, ND 58203 (701-775-5581).