Maria Chavez de Vassalle

Maria Chavez de Vassalle, 86, of Independence, MO, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Norterre Care Center in Liberty, Missouri. She was born October of 1938 in Tamazula, Jalisco, Mexico, where she grew up on the family ranch as the only surviving girl with her 10 brothers, mother and father. 

 On a visit to see one of her brothers in Redwood City, California she met and ultimately married in January 1969, her husband of 47 years before his passing in 2016, Franco Vassalle. Maria and Franco were active members of the St. Pius Catholic Church community as well as the Italian Catholic Federation. They enjoyed the dinner dances put on by the federation and routinely helped cook and serve for the events. They could always be found on the dance floor, showing off their dance moves. Maria and Franco moved to the Kansas City area in 2015.

 In addition to raising her own children, Maria did in-home day care and raised countless more children, many of whom remained in touch with their Ma-Maria well into their adult years. Maria enjoyed keeping a well stocked garden and kitchen, camping, dancing, sewing, crocheting and knitting. Her meals and family gatherings brought everyone to the table. Her cooking, energy and ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved made sure all were welcome in her home.

 Maria was preceded in death by her parents Andres and Ana Maria Jazo (Zamora) Chavez, one sister, seven brothers, and a grandson Jake Franco Vassalle.

 Maria is lovingly remembered by her son Carlo (Mandy) Vassalle of Independence, MO; her daughter Anna Rosa (Gary) Calkins of Ham Lake, MN; her grandchildren Katherine Calkins, Giancarlo Vassalle, Garrison Calkins; her great grandchildren Mason, Oliver and Isabella and countless nieces and nephews

 A memorial mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church, 309 Stewart Road, Liberty, MO at 11am on Saturday, January 4th. The family will be greeting friends and relatives immediately after the service at the parish hall. Her remains will be taken to sea privately by the family.

 Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)