Submitted by: Dan Rich
Erma Rose Gassensmith
South Bend Tribune 8/23/2006
Erma Rose "Mrs. G." Gassensmith, 75, of South Bend, passed away Monday, August 21, in Hospice House, South Bend. She fought a courageous battle against cancer. Erma was born on November 26, 1930, in South Bend, to the late Louis and Rose Toth.
On Nov. 27, 1952, she married John Gassensmith, also of South Bend. They were married 54 years. Erma is survived by her husband, John; a son, Robert of San Francisco, CA; a daughter, Nancy Kieft of South Bend; two granddaughters, Kristin Hansen of Chicago and Kimberly (Brian) Petrina of Chicago; and one great-granddaughter, Victoria Rose Petrina (7 months) of Chicago. Erma is also survived by her brother, Louis (Alice) Toth of Livonia, MI; four nephews; and a sister-in-law, Mercedes Gassensmith.
Erma graduated from Riley H.S. in January 1947. She also held a bachelor's and master's degree in education from Indiana University of South Bend. Erma taught elementary school for 32 years: 12 years at St. Anthony's, South Bend, and 20 years at LaSalle Elementary School in Mishawaka. As a teacher, she was bestowed the nickname of “Mrs. G.” She was loved and appreciated by so many in this community because of her commitment to teaching as well as being a mentor to many of her students. Up until her final days, when one of her former students would see her, she was always greeted with a “Mrs. G!” and a big hug.
Erma was an outstanding cook, including authentic Hungarian cooking. To her surprise, her recipe for Keeflies is featured on Google.com. On many occasions she taught lessons that included food as part of that lesson and she would prepare delicious treats for her students, including some of her Hungarian specialties.
She was a lifelong member of St. Anthony's. Visitation will be held today, August 23, 2006, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the McGann Hay, University Chapel, Edison Road. A Rosary will be said at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, August 24, in St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care or to St. Anthony's Parish or School.