Catherine I. Wassell

Catherine I. “Kay” Wassell, 89, of Springfield died at 5:20 p.m. Thursday, October 11, 2007 at St. John’s Hospice. Kay was born on May 26, 1918 in Springfield, the daughter of John and Margaret Dillon Higgins. They both preceded her in death. She also was preceded in death by three brothers, Owen, John, and Thomas Higgins; and two sisters Margaret Murphy and Elizabeth Lott. She attended Blessed Sacrament and Sacred Heart Academy. She graduated in 1935. She worked at Illinois Bell until she married James Wassell, on September 26, 1942. They joined the U.S. Public Health Service in Washington, D.C. In 1944 they joined the Ansco Film Company in Chicago, IL. Her secretarial work resumed after the children were born, and included positions with the Wilmette IL Recreation Board, Los Angeles County Welfare, and returning to Springfield in 1978, she retired from C.W.L.P. in 1983. She was a people person, and was always ready to help anyone in need. She never knew a stranger. Surviving is husband of 65 years, James Wassell of Springfield; three children: Margaret “Peggy” (Edgar) Zellman of San Diego, CA., twins: Janet (Dr. R. Michael) Kroeger of Omaha, NE and James C (Sharon) Wassell of Memphis, TN; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. The family welcomes visitors to visit from 9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1930 Barberry Dr. Springfield. A Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday October 13, 2007 at Christ the King Catholic Church, with Rev. David Hoefler Celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Home of Springfield, 3306 S. 6th St. Rd., 62703 and St. John’s Hospice 800 E Carpenter St. The Wassell family is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th, Springfield, IL 62703.