MPR producer remembered as talented journalist with generous spirit
An associate producer with Minnesota Public Radio died this week from a rare form of cancer. She was 31.
Breann Schossow, of St. Paul, died Monday surrounded by her loved ones at the Mayo Clinic Hospital - Methodist Campus in Rochester, her obituary says. She grew up on the family farm in Ridgeway, Minnesota, attended Winona High School and then the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
"Breann always loved a good story and claimed she had the best job in the world as she got to tell other people’s stories as a journalist and producer," her obituary said.
She worked for Wisconsin Public Radio and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal, her LinkedIn page says. Before starting as an associate producer for Kerri Miller's program on MPR News in January, a few months before she was diagnosed with cancer.
"It had always been a goal for her to work at Minnesota Public Radio, and while her time there was short, she enjoyed every day of it," her obituary said.
In a statement to Bring Me The News, MPR said:
"We have lost a dear colleague and talented journalist. Breann brought a positive perspective and generous spirit to all that she did, and we will miss her greatly. Our thoughts are with Breann’s family in this difficult time."
Schossow was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma on April 1, according to a post she made on Instagram in May. Being diagnosed with cancer during a pandemic is "weird," she wrote, adding that she was isolated but never alone and was getting the care and support she needed from her family, friends, colleagues and doctors.
"Breann was strong-willed and always was seeking a new adventure, even when she was diagnosed with a very rare form of sarcoma cancer; Breann never gave up. She will be remembered by many for her poise, curiosity, professionalism, and charismatic smile," her obituary says.
She loved a good conversation, fiction podcasts, reading about public policy, trying new recipes and spending time with family on the farm, her obit notes.
Those who knew her, including colleagues, friends and classmates, have been sharing their memories of her on social media, calling her a great journalist and wonderful person.
