Margaret Elise Casassa, R.N., 83, of Ferrysburg, died peacefully Fri evening, Sep 17, 2004, at Munson Medical Center with her family by her side.
She was born on Feb 6, 1921, in Gwinn, the daughter of H. Hugo and Alma (Petersen) Field. She married James P. Casassa at People's Church in Kalkaska on Sep 8, 1946.
Margaret graduated from Kalkaska High School and Sparrow Nursing School in Lansing.
She served four years as a lieutenant nurse in the Army during WWII, where she met her James, her husband. After the war, Margaret worked at the Traverse City State Hospital until she and James moved to Ferrysburg.
Margaret demonstrated her commitment to the practice of nursing by serving for many years as a delivery room nurse at Grand Haven Community Hospital, an Ottawa County visiting nurse, a private duty nurse at Shore Haven Nursing Home, and caring for many individuals in their homes. She had been a member of the American Nurses' Association and a charter member of the Women's War Memorial in Washington DC.
She was a longtime member of St. John's Episcopal Church and served on many committees including the Altar Guild, Thrift Shop, Pastoral Calling, and Women's Guild. Margaret sang alto in St. Cecelia's Choir for more than 40 years.
Margaret loved the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, and enjoyed watching sunsets and spending time at her cottage on Torch Lake. She was a talented seamstress who enjoyed playing the piano, painting and doing crosswords. Margaret was very proud of the watercolor class she joined this summer, and created some very lovely paintings.
She is survived by her daughters, Elise (Robert) Glettler of Ada, Gianine of Grand Rapids, Mary Beth of Ferrysburg, and Christine (Michael Dixon) of Torch Lake; six grandchildren, James and Brian Glettler, Sarah Casassa, Danielle, Megan and Amy Dixon; nieces Kathleen Field of Los Allemands, LA, Cheryl and Sharon Casassa of Leominster, MA.
Along with her husband, Margaret was preceded in death by her two sons, David and Paul.
A memorial service was held at St. John's Episcopal Church, Grand Haven, on Oct 3, 2004. The Rev. Henry Idema III and the Rev. John B Hills served as celebrants.
A celebration of Margaret's life will be held at her beloved Torch Lake Cottage at a later date.
