- When Marie Rossmeissl's mother died in 1998 in home hospice care, Marie held her in her arms in the final moments, and whispered assurances, so that her mother could let go and begin the journey home. Now Marie is traveling her own journey.
With her sister, Carole, at her bedside, Marie died at home on November 12, 2008, at age 61. She had struggled with crippling pain and steeply declining health in recent years, the result of multiple, massive injuries sustained in 1999. While walking to work one early April morning, she was struck and dragged by the driver of a motor vehicle. She survived the extensive injuries, but could not return to her job or to any job.
Marie had been a valued employee of Aramark Services of Appleton for more than thirty years, with near-perfect attendance.
Called "Mutzie" by family, a German term of endearment used with young children, she was a self-taught artist and creator of "outsider" art. She delighted in finding artistic and new uses for everyday castoffs, and had been working on a series of rusty metal, garden sculptures, when chronic pain forced abandonment of the project.
A spirited, yet gentle soul who sought harmony in daily living, she recognized the dignity in all people regardless of race, religion or social status. When a coworker's home fell into extreme disrepair, she joined a group of Aramark employees who spent one full weekend of thorough cleaning, sanitizing, painting and repairing all interior spaces before replacing carpeting, furniture and other household furnishings, at no cost to the homeowner.
When two box turtles needed shelter, Marie provided it. She researched their dietary needs, built a worm box in the basement, injected the worms with vitamins for amphibians and fed the worms to the turtles. An epileptic puppy found a safe and secure home with Marie throughout his lifetime. Along with ongoing medical care, she provided unconditional love until his death years later.
Marie found comfort in traditional Roman Catholic teachings, as well as in certain spiritual practices of Native Americans. She frequently lit prayer candles at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Appleton for loved ones, both living and dead.
Along with her mother, Gerry Hardy Rossmeissl, she is preceded in death by her father, Matt A. Rossmeissl and by infant niece, Sarah Ann Rossmeissl.
She is survived by two sisters, Carole (Jerome) Smaglik of Port Washington, WI; and Susan (Michael) Shaw of Tustin, CA; and by one brother, Matt F. (Cathy) Rossmeissl of Mount Vernon WA; and by their families; and extended family. Although she and her siblings were separated geographically, her bond with them, and theirs with her, was deep and strong.
She had no children of her own, but cherished the children of others, and relished their company and conversation. The children of former neighbors, Dan and Lisa Butkiewicz, were especially dear to her.
Her quiet life on a quiet street was buoyed by friendships with childhood friend and neighbor, Patrick Casey and Casey's mother, Mrs. Frederika Casey. Longtime friend and former coworker, Janice Christensen Paul, of Salem, OR, was never far from Marie's thoughts.
Marie donated her body to science for medical study and education, and for tissues transplantation. "I hope they use every bit of it," she said.
Great gratitude is extended to Erin Sebranek, R.N., of Affinity Visiting Nurses Hospice, for extraordinary, compassionate end-of-life care. The family thanks primary care physician, Dr. James Haine; and Pain Specialist and Medical Director of Affinity Visiting Nurses Hospice, Dr. Nancy Homburg; and their staffs; along with primary care physician and friend, Dr. Paul Sumnicht; and the many staff members at Affinity Visiting Nurses who were involved with Marie's care.
Valley Funeral Home of Appleton assisted the family. A private service and burial is planned. Memorials to Affinity Visiting Nurses Hospice are suggested.
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1947 - 2008 (61 years)
Death Record - Civil
