Mary Eleanor Vassel

Growing up in Akron, Ohio, Mary completed nursing school in Akron. A dream to see the world was realized living in Michigan, Germany, El Paso and finally settling in Pasadena California to raise her six children with her former Army husband. Growing up mom ruled the house, but she always provided love and a kind, nurturing word.

Proud of being a nurse she resumed her nursing career at St. Luke’s Hospital in Pasadena. Before retiring, Mary worked in many departments and became the Assistant Director of Nursing. Mary loved being a nurse. We heard many of her nursing stories, but she always recounted being the best PICC line nurse.

In a glorious irony of fate, Mary was reunited with her St. Mary’s high school sweetheart, Michael Vassel at their 50th reunion. They rekindled their relationship and in retirement they married in 2004 making Rancho Cucamonga their home until his death.

Mary loved cats. We all remember the cats and kittens in our youth. She continued to keep cats at her home after we left. Cats, cat pictures, cat statues inside and outside of the house. Amazingly she could tell stories about all of them using their names.

With Mary’s passing, we will miss the times to visit her for a hug or pick up the phone to talk. We can rest easy knowing Mary has been reunited with the love of her life, Michael, her son Douglas, and all her dear friends.

Mary leaves many who learned to live by her example.

David Etnire – Son (Donna)

Diane Shapiro – Daughter (Todd)

Donna Regalado – Daughter (Raymond)

Denise Anderson – Daughter (John)

Daniel Etnire – Son

Douglas Entire – Son (predeceased)

Ashley Jordan – Granddaughter (Trevor)

Samantha Wilson – Granddaughter (Charlie)

Robert Shapiro – Grandson (Kyrsten)

Matthew Shapiro – Grandson

Dana Shapiro – Granddaughter

Nathaniel Regalado – Step Grandson (Andrea)

Christopher Regalado – Step Grandson (Alexandra)

Timothy Regalado – Step Grandson

Brad Anderson – Grandson (Cassandra)

Catherine Rejon – Granddaughter (Michael)

Kyle Etnire - Grandson

Kurtis Etnire – Grandson

Atticus Jordan – Great Grandson

Scarlett Wilson – Great Granddaughter

Lucy Wilson – Great Granddaughter

Emelia Shapiro – Great Granddaughter

Robert Cole Shapiro – Great Grandson

Olivia Regalado – Step Great Granddaughter

Ella Regalado – Step Great Granddaughter

Cooper Anderson – Great Grandson