Mary Alsdorf

ORAN, Mo. -- Mary Elizabeth Rasmussen Alsdorf, 83, passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 12, 2007, in Houston, Texas.

She was born Oct. 31, 1923, in Oran, to Rasmus George and Alice Maud Short Rasmussen.

She was preceded in death by husband, Irwin Charles Alsdorf; a brother, George Thomas Rasmussen; and her parents.

Survivors include sons Mike Alsdorf of Highlands, Texas, Chuck Alsdorf and wife Donna of Pasadena, Texas, Alan Alsdorf and wife Keely of Cypress, Texas; and a daughter, Mary Beth Alsdorf and longtime friend Amy Bomba of Houston, Texas.

She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, David, Bryan, Rachel, Kevin, Hannah, Stevi, Eric, William, Carly, Amy and Carol. Mary's special Missouri family includes sister-in-law, Mary Lee Rasmussen; nieces, Ann Rasmussen Reynolds and Jane Rasmussen Kurre, all of Cape Girardeau.

Mary, a registered nurse, graduated from Jewish Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis.

She and Irv settled in Pasadena in 1957 and were dedicated members of Sunset United Methodist Church. After years of homemaking and volunteer work, Mary returned to nursing in the Pasadena ISD until her retirement as a school nurse at Bailey Elementary in 1994. Upon retirement, she and Irv enjoyed traveling, volunteering and taking part in various community and church organizations. They also cherished time spent with their grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Holly Hall Retirement Community, Odyssey Hospice caregivers Thelma Landry and Erica Hatter, and special caregiver Charleen Geisenberg Safieh.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Pasadena Funeral Chapel, 2203 Pasadena Blvd.

The funeral will be held at noon Friday at Sunset United Methodist Church, 709 Allendale, Pasadena. Graveside service will follow at Forest Park East.

Donations may be made in Mary's honor to the Alzheimer's Association Houston (www.alztex.org) or the Society of St. Stephen at Sunset UMC.