Marie Therese Vasalle

Marie Vasalle, born Marie Therese Gunning, was born May 8, 1926, to a hard-working Irish-American family in Brooklyn, New York. The oldest of three, Marie joyfully doted on younger brothers Gerard and Mickey, and adored her father John, a firefighter who loved outrageous practical jokes and was a wonderful home chef. But her mom Norah was Marie’s lifelong role model as a wife, mother and woman of unshakeable Catholic faith.

After graduating Dominican Commercial High School in Queens, Marie began her career as a secretary/stenographer at a series of Manhattan advertising agencies. She soon met the love of her life, George Vasalle, the son of Greek immigrants, at a dance. Marie and George loved going to movies and the good Greek diners he introduced her to, and mostly just talking and laughing. They married in 1953.

Marie had one child, Linda, with whom she was extremely close. Marie taught Linda to appreciate every day and celebrate every holiday. St. Patrick’s Day and Greek Easter were not-to-be-missed family traditions.

In 1965, the young family moved to Long Beach, and in 1967, Marie joined St. Cornelius. She loved the cool breezes and comfortable pace of life in Long Beach and enjoyed volunteering at the church. Marie even brought her parents out from Brooklyn to live next door, and they also became
active at St. Cornelius.

To so many at St. Cornelius, Marie was a friend, a confidante, and a shoulder to lean on in troubled times. To her neighbors, she was unfailingly kind and gracious.

To her family, including devoted son-in-law Mike Teverbaugh and loving niece Nina Koulouvaris, Marie was simply irreplaceable, a source of warmth and reassurance, and the best person with whom to celebrate every birthday and holiday. And to her beloved grandchildren Hank and Gigi, Marie was “YiaYia,” the Greek word for grandma. She will live forever in our hearts.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401