A beloved member of the Northshore Bothell YMCA swimming community, Mary Mussman, died the morning of May 21. She was nine days short of her 82nd birthday.

“[She] led the Northshore YMCA water aerobics class for close to 20 years as a volunteer … well into her late 70s,” said Suzanne G. Beyer, a former student of Mussman at the YMCA. “Her popular Tuesday and Thursday classes grew to around 35-plus people.”

According to friends, Mussman approached her class using two basic strategies: attend to each individual and teach to their abilities, not disabilities.

“Her object was to make the class fun,” said Beyer. “… Over the years, lasting friendships were made in the pool. Mary successfully provided, not only a physical fitness class, but a social outlet.”

Beyer said that she met Mussman 12 years ago while recovering from an injury.

“I was recovering from an injury from a fall, hobbled onto the pool deck and Mary said, ‘Hop in, I’ll show you some exercises,'” said Beyer. “Mary and I shared a love of the water, love of good books, and we just got along famously as best friends. Loved her advice and loved her feisty personality.”

Beyer said that Mussman tasked her with directing one group of students that became very close, calling themselves the “Deep Enders.”

“If members don’t feel better when they leave this class, I haven’t done my job,” Mussman would say about her classes to students and friends.

To show their appreciation, fellow swimmers and instructors surprised Mussman at the Northshore YMCA on her 80th birthday.

Mussman was also involved in other communities. She volunteered at St. Jude Catholic Church in Redmond, setting up memorial receptions and providing meals for the homeless at Tent City. She also served as a board member and president for her condominium association for Village on the Park in Kirkland.

“She consistently helped others, making a huge impact on everyone she met,” said Beyer. “Mary, a true Northshore leader, will be greatly missed.”