Obituary: Mary "Mena" (Clementi) Gassen - Class of 1943

MADISON - Mary "Mema" Gassen, age 78, passed away, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, after a short, courageous battle with cancer. Mary was born in Madison on Sept. 11, 1924, the daughter of John and Frances Clementi. She graduated from Central High School. She was married to Gilbert Gassen from November 1951 to November 1967. Mary was a very active throughout her entire life and was still employed up to the time of her cancer diagnosis in October 2002. Mary started her career with Oscar Mayer and after retiring worked at Bob White Candy Company, Bavaria Sausage Kitchen, and for the past 12 years she has worked at Cub Foods West. Mary provided foster care in her home during the early years of her marriage. During her lifetime she was involved in many sports activities and received many awards for baseball and bowling. Mary loved her job at Cub Foods and the many friends she had as co-workers and customers. She also enjoyed Sunday football games, bingo every Thursday, and trips to Ho-Chunk. Mary's greatest source of joy and happiness came from her family; her daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, and the family schnauzer, Maxx. She was so proud of them. Mary is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Wes) Coppersmith; a granddaughter, Angie (Dewaine) McFadin; her most precious great-granddaughter, Kaylee McFadin; two sisters; a brother; and relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant grandson, Christopher; three sisters; and two brothers. A three-hour memorial visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the memorial service beginning at 7 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, at FITCH LAWRENCE SANFILLIPPO CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., (608) 238-8406, with Chaplain Pamela Moering presiding. Burial at Highland Memory Gardens will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, or the Dane County Humane Society, 2250 Pennsylvania Ave., Madison, WI 53704. Mom ... No more pain, no more suffering. We will remember your smile, your caring, your support, and your love ... Forever. Mema ... It takes someone special to be a "Mema" and we were so lucky to have you. We will miss you everyday and love you forever.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 18, 2003

Note: Mary Clementi Gassen's class year was provided by the Class of 1943 Reunion Committee