Sandy resident, Mardell Baessler died of a stroke Monday, September 26, 2011 at Cascadia Village Assisted Living. She was 90.
A Memorial Service will be held at Hoodland Lutheran Church located at 59151 East Highway 26 in Sandy on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.
She was born, Mardell Merrill Durant on July 9, 1921 to Theodore and Minnie (Hart) Durant in International Falls, Minnesota. When she was 9 months old, the family moved to Hayward, Wisconsin. At the age of four, Mardell attended school with her older brothers at Blair Grade School. When she was six, she began the third grade, as the teachers felt that she was ready. In 1933, she graduated from grade school. Shortly there after, the family moved to Idaho where Mardell began high school. The family later relocated to Oregon where she graduated from Layfayette High School. Mardell furthered her education and attended Beauty and Cosmetology School in Portland. After graduating, she remained in Portland and began her career.
On January 13, 1941, Mardell was united in marriage to Theodore Fredrick Baessler in Portland. They made their home in Portland where they raised their daughter Janet and Mardell continued her work as a hairdresser. In 1964, Mardell and Ted moved to Brightwood . They later moved to Welches and made their permanent home and enjoyed retirement. In November of 1980, her husband preceded her in death. In September of 2009, Mardell’s health began to decline and she then moved to Cascadia Village Assisted Living.
Mardell was a volunteer for the Red Cross, giving her time during the 1964 flood and when needed, she volunteered for blood drives. Mardell had a servant’s heart and volunteered her time at the Hoodland Senior Center as a driver for those that were not able. Mardell worked at the Sportique at Bowman’s Golf Course in Welches and later at the front desk at the Resort at the Mountain. After retirement in 1989, she worked at the Hallmark Shop in Welches. Mardell enjoyed golfing, bowling, spending time with her family and playing cards with groups of friends.
Surviving is her daughter, Janet Furnish of Sandy; her grandson Jeremy Furnish of Clatskanie; her great- grandsons, Gabe, Gavin and Linken.
She will always hold a special place in all our hearts.