Marion Vassmer

Marion E. Vassmer, a lifelong resident of the Town of Bethel and a cornerstone of her community, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of service, history, and love.

Born in Monticello on September 5, 1933, Marion was raised in Mongaup Valley by her parents, Ruth Crumley Stanton and Roy W. Stanton.

Her education began in a one-room schoolhouse in Mongaup Valley, and her sharp mind led her to graduate from Monticello High School at the young age of 16.

Marion's life changed forever while working as a telephone operator in Kauneonga Lake. It was during her trips to Vassmer's General Store that she met the love of her life, Arthur Vassmer. The two were wed on October 5, 1952, beginning a beautiful life together centered around "The Store."

Marion was deeply committed to her town and her faith. She was a lifelong member of the Mongaup Valley United Methodist Church, serving in numerous leadership roles alongside dear friends. Her civic contributions were vast:

• Town of Bethel Registrar of Vital Statistics: Served for an incredible 53 years (1962-2015).

• Town of Bethel Historian: Served from 2002 until her recent retirement.

• Community Groups: Former member of the PTA and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Kauneonga Lake Fire Department.

As the wife of Arthur Vassmer - famously known as "Mr. Woodstock" - Marion became a living link to music history. She delighted in sharing her experiences of the 1969 festival with visitors, and her image remains a permanent part of the Bethel Woods Museum.

Beyond her public service, Marion was a woman of simple joys. She was an avid baker and cook, celebrated by her family for making "the best spaghetti sauce ever." Above all, she treasured her roles as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. 

Marion was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Vassmer; her sister, Barbara Weiss; her brother, Lowell Stanton; brothers-in-law Norman Weiss, Tim Cunningham, Fred Vassmer, and Ben Vassmer; and sister-in-law Eunice Stanton.

She is survived by her beloved Daughters, Linda Vassmer, Vicky Vassmer Simpson and her husband Steven Simpson; Sister, Yvonne Cunningham; Granddaughters, Amanda Soto (Eric), Heather Brown (Stephen Tomasulo), and Kayla Stacchini (Carmine); and Great Grandchildren, Aden Stanton, Stephen D. Tomasulo, Ian Soto, Emilia Tomasulo, Liana Soto, and Juliana Stacchini; Nieces and Nephews, Chris, Colleen, Patrick, Tammy, Jason, John and Trudy, as well as many cherished great nieces and nephews; And her dear friend of 85 years, Hildegarde Colberg.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 2nd at 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Colonial-Ramsay Funeral Home, 3534 State 55, Kauneonga Lake, NY.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 3rd at 11:00 AM at the Mongaup Valley United Methodist Church.

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: The Mongaup Valley UMC, and Hospice of Orange and Sullivan County.