Kathleen Vassar

Kathleen Vassar, 81, passed away at her Toledo home on May 23, 2022, after a short fight with cancer. She was surrounded by family, love, and prayers. Kathleen was born February 13, 1941, in Merrill, WI to Justine and Clarence “Clay” Radloff. Her mother was a graphic artist, and her father owned a successful sheet metal company. She spent countless happy summers at her grandparents’ dairy farm. She graduated from Prospect Hall Secretary School in Milwaukee in 1961. Kathleen met Mike Vassar in 1975. What started as a beautiful friendship became a beautiful marriage in 1977. They were wed in their Old Orchard home, just days after moving in, and honeymooned in Chicago. They lovingly raised their combined family of eight children and soon welcomed a ninth. They lived a special love story, which was founded upon affection, humor, and kindness. Mike considers Kathleen the best thing to happen in his life. They were best friends to the end, and he looks forward to meeting her again in their next life. Kathleen and Mike travelled well and often. They enjoyed summers at Dewey Beach, DE and Cashiers, NC. Over countless winters, they escaped with friends to Zihuatanejo in Mexico. They enjoyed Mackinac Island in the off-season and once travelled all the way to Tuscany without their wallets. Throughout her life, Kathleen remained devoted to progressive causes. She was a passionate volunteer for civil rights, women’s rights, and the antiwar movement. Kathleen volunteered for several years at David’s House, where she developed close friendships in the fight against AIDS. She also worked at Thackeray’s Books, which she admired as much for its literary heft as for its employee discount. Kathleen held a special love for music, which she passed onto her family. The home was never quiet. Whether it be a Chopin étude, an Ethel Merman showtune, a Makem & Clancy ballad, or a John Denver song, music regularly kindled her magnificent smile. It should be mentioned that Kathleen was a playful person, and she celebrated silliness into her final days. She enjoyed pranks and novelties—from whoopie cushions to rubber chickens—and regularly circulated joke books. But her real calling card was a red clown’s nose. Initially offered to lift friends’ spirits, it became a trademark for Kathleen’s sense of whimsy and a reminder not to take life too seriously. Kathleen will be remembered for her sincerity, thoughtfulness, and the trails that she blazed. She listened carefully and smiled often. She was quick with a kind word. She was Irish at heart. Kathleen was a remarkable wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend. A kinder soul there never was; she was just the best. Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents, brothers-in-law Patrick Hayes and John “Jerry” Muenich, and son, Jim Vassar. She is survived by Mike, her loving husband of nearly 45 years; sisters Arline Hayes and Mary Ann Muenich; children Michele (Greg) Robinson, Christopher (Michelle) Westley, Heather (Patrick) Campbell, Amy (Ray) Heitland, Bridget Westley, Jennifer Westley, Josh (Cheryl) Westley, and Zak (Emilie) Vassar; daughter-in-law Leslie Vassar; and grandchildren Logan Westley, Justin Westley, Franny Campbell, Jacob Vassar, Max Robinson, Catherine Westley, Gus Campbell, Bethany Heitland, Tatum Westley, Sam Vassar, Alex Robinson, Grace Vassar, and Margaret Vassar. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life at Inverness Club on June 11, from 3-7PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Toledo Symphony or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Kathleen Vassar

February 13, 1941 - May 23, 2022