Edna Mae Gassei

Edna was raised in Denver and later moved to Oklahoma in 1968 after marrying John Russell Gassei, on July 20, 1963. They were married 56 years before John’s passing on May 29, 2020.

A graduate of Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Edna earned a degree in Computerized Business Machines. She was an incredibly talented painter, pianist, and an all-around crafty individual. Her creativity shined through in everything she did, from her beautiful tole paintings to her handmade crafts. She was a long-time, valued member of the Tole Diggers of Oklahoma City, a tole painting club where she shared her talents with many who became her friends.

Edna had a playful spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. She was a true trickster who delighted in making people laugh and giving them a hard time in good fun. She found joy in simple pleasures such as garage sales, craft stores, and listening to her favorite Christian music and old rock from the ’60s and ’70s.

Though she never had children of her own, Edna’s heart overflowed with love for her cats. Each one held a special place in her heart, but Graby, her oldest mama cat, was her favorite.

Edna was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents, Frank and Lois Vandenberg; her brother Gerald Eugene and wife Jean Beth Vandenberg; sister Marie Darlene and husband Ira Edwards, and brother-in-law Jim DeVries.

She is survived by her brother Glen Rae Vandenberg and wife Jean Ann Vandenberg of Enumclaw, Washington; sisters Ava Joan DeVries of Summer, Washington and Loral Ann Fiantaca of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; her chosen family and caregivers Joey and Mandy Meyer of Guthrie, Oklahoma along with many nieces and nephews who will miss her.

Edna will be remembered for her creativity, her mischievous laughter, her generous heart, and her boundless love for all living things.