Carol Marie Kassman

Carol Marie Kassman, 81, of Thousand Oaks passed away peacefully on January 19, 2022 after a lengthy illness. She grew up in Madison Wisconsin before moving to California in 1954 with her parents where she attended Arcadia high school. In 1959 she met Ron Hartmann at a local gas station, they quickly fell in love and married in Feb 1960. After the birth of their two children, they moved to Thousand Oaks in 1964 where they became original homeowners in the Shadow Oaks tract. Mom was an active and beloved volunteer in the Acacia Elementary PTA, AYSO soccer and numerous other community organizations. Tragically, Ron passed away in Oct 1971, but mom found new love with Dr. Edward Kassman, a well-known local family physician. Mom worked for her husband as office manager for many years until her health declined due to complications associated with RA. In 1986, our parents relocated to another part of Thousand Oaks in the newly developed North Ranch community. They built their dream home designed after a French chateau they had seen and admired in Lake Arrowhead where they both continued to live until shortly before her passing.

Mom had many talents in the arts and loved the outdoors. As a young girl, mom was an accomplished dancer and participated in many community performances. Her mother was a nurse and talented seamstress who made most of her costumes which later became “dress up” clothes for her children. Growing up mom often took us to Leo Carrillo, Zuma beach or the Ventura State beach where she shared with us her love of the ocean and camping. As an active volunteer at Acacia elementary school she often taught painting, stitching/needlepoint and other art related classes. In her later years, she became interested in gemology and acquired a vast collection of loose stones and jewelry making tools often creating simple pieces for her granddaughters. Her final passion turned to knitting where she spent most days learning new stiches and making scarves for her family.

Mom was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Helen Christopher as well as her brother, Gene Gerks, first husband Ron Hartmann and his parents Frederick and Alice Hartmann. She is survived by her husband Edward Kassman, daughter Cynthia Hartmann and son Scott Hartmann(Kay) as well as six grandchildren Kimberly, Jessika (Rodney), Jenna (Travis), Miranda (Jim), Karlee, Christopher and one great grandson Wyatt.

Funeral arrangements have been made with Pierce Brothers Mortuary in Westlake Village for Saturday March 12th, at 2pm and anyone is welcome to join us as we celebrate her life and eternally optimistic spirit.