Obituary of Mary Olive (Runberg) Massaia

Mary Olive (Runberg) Massaia was born December 22, 1926, on her grandfather's homestead outside Potlatch, Idaho, to Victor Nils Runberg and Mabel Louise (Vivian) Runberg. 

Mary passed away on February 6, 2022, at Fieldstone Cooperpoint.  Mary graduated from high school in 1944 and entered the Cadet Nurse Training Program at Sacred Heart Hospital School of Nursing, in Spokane, Washington.   She met her future husband, Felix, at a USO dance at Geiger Field in Spokane.

During his U.S. Air Force career, they were stationed in England and Okinawa.  When her husband was stationed in Alaska, Mary became a customer service representative for the Bon Marche’, retiring 20 years later (being the first retiree from now Olympia Macy’s).

Mary had a lifelong love of animals and worked as a volunteer for Adopt-A-Pet in Shelton. She was a charter member of Shelton Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Deacon.  The family has made their home in Washington State since WWII, where she made many friends. 

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Felix “Skip” Massaia.  She is survived by her children, John (Judy) Massaia of Woodburn, Oregon, Vicky Lincoln of Steilacoom, Washington, and Jim (Nancy) Massaia of Tumwater, Washington; grandchildren, Janeen, Stephen, Marcie, Patrick and Jim; and great-grandchildren Michael, Harley, Samantha, Brittney, Elijah, Nolan and Chelsea. 

Mary had a strong faith and will be greatly missed. Family will hold a private service later this spring.

 

Do not weep for me when I am gone, for I have friends in the great beyond. 

All the little ones I used to feed, will want to be by me in my time of need.

They will purr and bark in great delight and I will hold and hug them tight.

Oh, what a great day that will be, when my furry friends all welcome me.

 

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