Kathleen Fassig

Mrs. Kathleen McMurray Fassig, 89, formerly of York, Nebraska, died March 22, 2009 at Boise ID. Daughter of Adrian Layton and Eleanore (Connaughton) McMurray of Wapakoneta, Auglaize County, Ohio: she was directly descended from several pioneer Auglaize County families, including McFarland, Jacobs and Tabler. Born Kathleen Frances McMurray on November 11, 1919 she grew up in Wapakoneta and was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Catholic High School (1937). As a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and recipient of their scholarship ring; she received her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from the Ohio State University (1941) and taught elementary school in Anna, Ohio in the early 40’s. Kathleen earned her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Delaware (1959). A substitute teacher and homemaker while her children were growing up, Kathleen was active as a leader in various groups for youth including: Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and 4-H. She especially got pleasure from preparing her club members for events like the spring flower show sponsored by the U.S. Extension Service and the University of Delaware. Mrs. Fassig was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Adrianne and Patricia and her husband, Walter W. Fassig whom she married 9 September 1941. Moving to York from Fremont, Nebraska the couple had resided on N. Delaware Avenue in York, since 1970 where Walt, a Board Certified entomologist, was the Research Farm Supervisor for Ciba-Geigy until he retired in 1979.

Kathleen was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, treasurer of the Alter Society, head of the Rosary making group, active in several bridge clubs and especially enjoyed her volunteer role at St. Joseph’s Catholic School kindergarten. A prolific correspondent with friends, she had a way of helping others whenever she could -often dropping what she was doing to help a friend or acquaintance, or cheer up someone having a tough day.

Kathleen moved to an assisted living center in Boise, Idaho in 2003 to be closer to family and the property on N. Delaware Avenue was sold to the York Public Schools. A member of the American Legion Auxiliary, she was associated with American Legion Post 113, Meridian, Idaho.

She is survived by her sister, Dr. Marylee McMurray Lament [Keyport, New Jersey]; son Dr. Samuel M. Fassig and daughter-in-law Dr. Elizabeth I. Fassig [Boise, Idaho]; her daughter Phoebe Doherty D.C. and son-in-law Thomas Doherty [Wilmington, Delaware]; and her niece Dr. Claudia Lament-Hasley [Brooklyn, NY]. She has five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Mrs. Fassig will be buried next to her husband in St. Joseph’s church cemetery in York. A Rosary will be said on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. at Metz Mortuary Chapel and a Mass of Christian burial will be on Monday, March 30, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in York, with interment following at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-9:00 P.M. Sunday evening at the mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests all memorial contributions be made to St. Joseph’s School, 5th and East Avenue, York, Nebraska 68467. Metz Mortuary, York, NE is handling the arrangements.

“Eternal rest grant unto her O’ Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.” Amen