Shirley Mae Sassman

1938 - 2024

Shirley Mae Sassman

September 12, 1938 - March 3, 2024

Elk Grove, California - Shirley Mae Dickson – Sassman, a lifelong resident of Sacramento and Elk Grove, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 3, 2024 at the age of 85.

Shirley was the ninth of 12 children born to Luther and Ada Dickson on September 12, 1938, in Sacramento, California. She was raised in the Sacramento area where she attended elementary school and went on to graduate from Elk Grove High School. She attended church as a child, recalling the tent revivals with a smile. She met the love of her life, Jimmy Sassman in high school and they married on May 6, 1956 at Point Pleasant United Methodist Church. She enjoyed life to the fullest with four girls running around, she managed to sew dresses, teach Sunday school and attended Point Pleasant United Methodist Church. Being the artist she was, Shirley enjoyed cooking, making wedding cakes, crocheting, knitting, gardening, and painting. For many years she worked side by side with her sister-inlaw Donna as a dog groomer. After retirement, Shirley enjoyed traveling, camping and seeing new places, which included the two months spent with family and friends at the ocean in Crescent City.

Shirley made friends everywhere she went. "Social" was her middle name. She loved seeing new places and meeting new people. When her life began to slow down she lived vicariously through her kids and grandkids. As a Grandma, she always made sure there was enough sugar to go around even if their parents objected. She loved to hear of their adventures and she always brought laughter, joy and love to all she touched.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Ada, 4 brothers and 6 sisters and the love of her life, husband Jim Sassman in 2020. She is survived by her three remaining sisters, Colleen Lushenko, Mildred East, Janette Bell and Sister-in-Law Leanna (Lamoin) Schultz. As well as her four daughters and their families; Diane (Tom) Blum, Suane Sassman, Joane (Kevin) Backer, and CIndy (Chris) Capel. In addition Shirley was blessed with ten Grandchildren, Alora (Theo) Chilton, Ahren Blum, Garrett (Jamie) Capel, Braden Capel, Nicholas (Brandi) Backer, Kyle (Megan) Backer. Ashley (Erik) Hanson, Tiffany Wooden, Carley (Ryan) Lewis, and Cortney Paup. Plus nine Great-Grandchildren: Everett, Eva, Hannah, Ryan, Hailey, Hunter, Paige, Brooke and Makenzie.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on March 18, 2024 at the Point Pleasant United Methodist Church at 3329 Point Pleasant Road. A public viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. with a burial immediately following the service. A reception will be held at the Elks Lodge 9240 Survey Road, Elk Grove.