Rose Mary Stassi

MADISON - Rose Mary Stassi, age 91, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Oakwood Knoll Memory Care. She was born on October 23, 1933, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Chancy and Bessie (Masters) Rushing.

Rose Mary worked as an administrative clerk for the City of Madison, retiring in 1996.

Rose Mary cherished her family and friendships, and her adventurous spirit took her traveling to be with those she loved. She often visited her son and his family in Illinois, and went to Kenya on her own three times to visit her daughter and family.  She spent several happy vacations with friends on Sanibel Island, and enjoyed many other trips around the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii. She got a special kick out of Las Vegas! She joined tours around Europe, Israel, the Mediterranean and Australia.

Rose Mary enjoyed reading, and expressed her creativity through needle crafts and watercolor painting. She learned to use Facebook to keep in touch with folks far and near. At her home at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge, Rose Mary was known for participating in activities, playing evening cards and dominoes, volunteering in many ways, and often visited fellow residents taking cookies. She was chiefly known for her kindness to all. Rose Mary lived and shared her Christian faith as a long-time member of the Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church (now Sherman Church), and more recently worshiping in the Tree of Life Chapel at Oakwood, which she considered a real blessing.  

Rose Mary is survived by her son, Tim (Barbara) Baker; daughter, Cynthia (Seth) Baker Rogers; grandchildren, Silas, Lucy, Ethan, Bill and Halley; great-grandchildren, Teddy, Esther, Olivia, Avery, Peter, Sammy, Rosie and Micah; and brother, William (Rhonda) Rushing. She was preceded in death by first husband, William R. Baker; second husband, Charles Stassi; and parents, Chancy and Bessie Rushing.

A memorial service will be held at OAKWOOD VILLAGE EAST, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, with the Rev. Wayne Shannon presiding. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at Oakwood from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420