Mary "Chickie" Kassebaum

Mary “Chickie” Kassebaum was born on June 13, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York. Chickie got her wings on July 1, 2024, at 7:43 a.m. She was the daughter of William F. and Mary “Mae” Stillwell. She is survived by her four sisters, Patricia Stillwell, Geraldine Evans, Ann Maria Stillwell, and Theresa Gonfindini and her husband Richie; her daughters, Mary McNeill and Patricia Schuppe and husband, Armando; her daughter in law, Christina Kassebaum; and her cherished grandchildren, Corinne Piren and husband Rohit Bhat, James Piren and his wife, Jessica, Kristie Gonsauls and her husband Cody, Mitchell Eger and his wife, Shannon, William Eger and his fiancée, Madison Germuska, Craig Schuppe and Thomas Schuppe; and her “adopted” children, Tracy Gordon, Melissa Donzella and her husband, Frank, Helena and Eric Grunwald and their children, Jesse, Frankie and Charles. She is predeceased by her son, Jude Kassebaum. She is now with him in heaven where they will watch over us all for eternity. Chickie got her nickname when she was a young child by her father. The story goes that while he was away in the army, he would call home and ask her mom, “How’s my little chickadee?” The name stuck and she was known as Chickie ever since. Chickie was the eldest of her four sisters. She was loved dearly by them, and they all share an amazing and unbreakable bond. They all referred to themselves as “The Sisters” and were in daily contact with each other. They supported each other through thick and thin. They will dearly miss having Chickie with them as they continue their lives. Chickie was a person who was there for anyone who needed anything. She had a very strong faith in Jesus, which helped her until the end. Throughout her life, she was very involved in the Catholic church and raised her children in the Catholic faith. Chickie had a fulfilling career as a teacher in both public and Catholic schools. Her passion for teaching was matched only by her devotion to her faith and family. She took pride in being a member of the Bishop’s Commision for Women. She loved reading the Bible and enjoyed interpreting the verses for all around her. Chickie had many close friends that were Nuns and Priests. So many holiday dinners were shared with them at her Parkville Avenue home. Chickie would use the special China and prepare formal dinners as she appreciated tradition and formality. She would always say, “Can’t wear white before Memorial Day!” and “Always dress your best for holidays!” Chickie was a mom to so many of her children’s friends. Her house on Parkville Avenue was where the neighborhood hung out. So many parties she hosted and helped prepare for. She let all the kids come and go as they pleased. She also let them stay over for days on end. Chickie was always prepared and often supplied the neighborhood kids with hats and gloves to go out and play in the snow. Then she would lay the gloves out to dry on the radiators so we could have warm hands to go back outside and play. In the hot days of summer, she would load up the car with 10 kids...Yes,10, layers of kids on top of each to take us to the pool or the beach to cool off. The cars we had were in such bad shape, that one of the kids at the top would have to yell out of the window, “Beep!!!” because the horn did not work. She could make everything fun. Chickie was always there for her children and grandchildren. She was present at every event and holiday. GMC (Grand Ma Chickie) always participated in the grandkids’ parties. She would often dress as a fortune teller and read Tarot cards at Halloween parties. She pretended to be an “alien” to explain her oddities and her contagious laugh. GMC is known among her grandchildrens’ friends and she will be remembered as being the fun grandma. Chickie’s legacy includes her unconditional love, remarkable intelligence, unstoppable resilience, devotion to faith, commitment to others, all-knowing advice, ‘al dente’ cooking, tone-deaf singing, and her contagious, joyful laugh. She touched the lives of many and will be remembered for her kind heart, unwavering faith, and joyful spirit. Rest in peace, Chickie, Mommy, GMC. You touched so many lives and will be missed. May we always remember the cherished memories we had with her and the joy she brought to others. The viewing will be at Martinez-Morse funeral home in Middletown, NY, on Friday, July 5th between 3-8 p.m. The funeral services will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Middletown, NY on Saturday, July 6th at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow the mass at St. Joseph’s cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Middletown, NY, in the memory of Mary Kassebaum.

Mary "Chickie" Kassebaum

June 13, 1943 - July 1, 2024