Mary Ann (Casha) Missel of West Bloomfield, Michigan passed away on August 26, 2024, at the age of 90. At the end of her life, she was in hospice care at Angela Hospice in Livonia.

Mary Ann is survived by her children, Michael (Nancy) Missel, Julie Baeten, Carolyn (Jason) Harlan and Gerald (Jennifer) Missel; and her grandchildren, Melissa Missel, Patrick Missel, Bradley Missel, Haley (Brandon) Smitsky, Blair Baeten, Benjamin Harlan, Olivia (Danny) Racz, Riley Missel, Chase Missel and Samuel Missel. She is also survived by her brother, Joseph Casha, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Gerald Missel; her sister, Janet Looney; her brother, John Casha; and her daughter-in-law, Marnie Missel.

Mary Ann was born on May 25, 1934, in Detroit to Joseph “Giuseppe” and Mary Casha. She spent her childhood in the Maltese/Irish neighborhood of Corktown before moving to Detroit’s west side. She is a graduate of Cooley High School, where she was a member of the choir and dance troupes and attended Michigan State University.

Before marriage and children, she worked as a secretary at The University of Detroit. After raising her four children, she returned to work as an administrative assistant for Terry Barr Sales in Southfield to support them. She enjoyed 20 years with the company and retired at the age of 65. She always spoke fondly of her colleagues as well as Terry Barr himself.

She was a volunteer for The Christ Child Society and The Michigan Ballet Theater. She loved to play bridge and do crossword puzzles, but her main love was her piano. Having studied from an early age, her repertoire ranged from classical music to show tunes. She played on request to get her children to go to bed, to entertain her grandchildren and for gatherings with family and friends. She loved the arts and attended many dances, musical theater, and orchestra concerts. In her later years, she enjoyed seeing her friend sing in choral concerts at her church.

Mary Ann had the gift of gab and was an inventive creator of language in both English and Maltese. She held court around her kitchen table and on the phone making everyone laugh. A lot. These same friends sprang into action to care for and comfort her as she slowly slipped away under the shadow of Alzheimer’s. She will be sorely missed.

Memorial visitation for MaryAnn will be held Monday, September 9th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. A Memorial Mass for MaryAnn will be held on Tuesday, September 10th, at 11:00 a.m. with gathering beginning at 10:30 a.m. at St. Fabian Catholic Church, 32200 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills.