Obituary for Ilomay A. Vassar (Horvath)
Ilomay Arleen Vassar, 85, of New Berlin, WI passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her children and granddaughter, after a courageous battle with cancer, on March 21, 2021.
Ilomay was born on February 12, 1936 in Milwaukee. Her early life was spent in Wauwatosa where she graduated from Solomon Juneau High School, class of 1954. She married Wilfrid Wray Vassar on September 14,1954 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. They spent their early married life in various places while Wray completed his service in the Navy. Eventually they settled in Wray’s home state in Upper Michigan where they raised their four children; Mike, Barry, Bob and Nicole.
She loved ice skating, dancing, music, theater, costume design and sewing. Over the years she created many beautiful skating costumes, each one more beautiful than the last. She enjoyed cheering on her grandson Aaron at hockey games and many hours at the ice rink with Tiffany, Ashlynn and Alexxa who shared her love of figure skating.
Ilomay had a love of animals, and had many pets through the years, from poodle puppies to Persian cats. Her sweet dogs Brandy and Poppy were very devoted companions.
She moved back to Milwaukee in 1989 when her first granddaughter, Tiffany, was born. Tiffany could not say Ilomay, so she named her Mimi, and that is how we all affectionately called her from then on!
She made many good memories with summer gatherings with the family at Okauchee Lake, always bringing along a wonderful picnic basket filled with delicious foods such as her famous potato salad and fried chicken. Whenever Mimi was there, you knew there would be laughter and good times.
Mimi also loved music and seeing live musical theater. Her favorite shows of all time were Chicago and Hello Dolly. Especially fond of the unique sound of the big Hammond Organ, she took organ lessons and loved to play, challenging herself to the more difficult pieces such as “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast. Of course, her favorite restaurant was The Organ Piper! Mimi made friends everywhere she went; she drew others to her with her beauty, approachable personality and love of laughter.
Preceded in death by beloved parents Florence “Nonny” and Joseph Horvath, loving husband Wray and cherished sister Charmaine Horvath O’Brien.
Ilomay leaves behind dearest children Michael (Kate), Barry (Shellie), Robert and Nicole. Precious grandchildren Tiffany, Aaron (Brittney), Ashlynn and Alexxa. Much loved sister to Karen Thomas and Robert (Gail) Horvath. Special aunt to Eve (Roger) Null, Teresa Horvath, Tara (Eric) Beck, Constantine (Kerry) Foundos, Alex Foundos, Kelly Yogurst, Patrick (Penny) Duffin, Holly (Brian) Massman, and Michael (Tammy) Duffin. Further survived by grandnieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.
Please join her family in celebrating her beautiful life on Friday, April 2nd. Mimi loved to express her passion and zest for life by surrounding herself with beauty. La Vie en Rose, “Life in Happy Hues” was her song and her motto. To honor her, please wear a joyful color to the gathering.
Hartson Funeral Home, 11111 W. Janesville Road, Hales Corners, WI 53130. Visitation will be held from 10:00-12:00, with a service at 12:00 pm. Immediately following will be a procession to Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 21731 Spring St., Union Grove, WI 53182.
Ilomay was born on February 12, 1936 in Milwaukee. Her early life was spent in Wauwatosa where she graduated from Solomon Juneau High School, class of 1954. She married Wilfrid Wray Vassar on September 14,1954 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. They spent their early married life in various places while Wray completed his service in the Navy. Eventually they settled in Wray’s home state in Upper Michigan where they raised their four children; Mike, Barry, Bob and Nicole.
She loved ice skating, dancing, music, theater, costume design and sewing. Over the years she created many beautiful skating costumes, each one more beautiful than the last. She enjoyed cheering on her grandson Aaron at hockey games and many hours at the ice rink with Tiffany, Ashlynn and Alexxa who shared her love of figure skating.
Ilomay had a love of animals, and had many pets through the years, from poodle puppies to Persian cats. Her sweet dogs Brandy and Poppy were very devoted companions.
She moved back to Milwaukee in 1989 when her first granddaughter, Tiffany, was born. Tiffany could not say Ilomay, so she named her Mimi, and that is how we all affectionately called her from then on!
She made many good memories with summer gatherings with the family at Okauchee Lake, always bringing along a wonderful picnic basket filled with delicious foods such as her famous potato salad and fried chicken. Whenever Mimi was there, you knew there would be laughter and good times.
Mimi also loved music and seeing live musical theater. Her favorite shows of all time were Chicago and Hello Dolly. Especially fond of the unique sound of the big Hammond Organ, she took organ lessons and loved to play, challenging herself to the more difficult pieces such as “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast. Of course, her favorite restaurant was The Organ Piper! Mimi made friends everywhere she went; she drew others to her with her beauty, approachable personality and love of laughter.
Preceded in death by beloved parents Florence “Nonny” and Joseph Horvath, loving husband Wray and cherished sister Charmaine Horvath O’Brien.
Ilomay leaves behind dearest children Michael (Kate), Barry (Shellie), Robert and Nicole. Precious grandchildren Tiffany, Aaron (Brittney), Ashlynn and Alexxa. Much loved sister to Karen Thomas and Robert (Gail) Horvath. Special aunt to Eve (Roger) Null, Teresa Horvath, Tara (Eric) Beck, Constantine (Kerry) Foundos, Alex Foundos, Kelly Yogurst, Patrick (Penny) Duffin, Holly (Brian) Massman, and Michael (Tammy) Duffin. Further survived by grandnieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.
Please join her family in celebrating her beautiful life on Friday, April 2nd. Mimi loved to express her passion and zest for life by surrounding herself with beauty. La Vie en Rose, “Life in Happy Hues” was her song and her motto. To honor her, please wear a joyful color to the gathering.
Hartson Funeral Home, 11111 W. Janesville Road, Hales Corners, WI 53130. Visitation will be held from 10:00-12:00, with a service at 12:00 pm. Immediately following will be a procession to Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 21731 Spring St., Union Grove, WI 53182.