Kathleen May Asher of Vassar and Lake Worth, Florida passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 82 years old. She was born to Jessie and Thomas Pierce on August 19, 1932. She married Donald Asher in 1957 and they spent 58 years together. Don survives her. They have two surviving children: David Asher, Vassar and Diane (Ken) Wessner, Raleigh, North Carolina. Grandchildren: Samantha and Maxime Groen; Justine, Marshall and Trinity Annab; Julian and Elizabeth Asher. Also surviving are two sisters, Jessie Mueller, Margery O’Neil and one brother, James Pierce, all of Vassar; two sisters-in-law: Virginia Pierce and Joan Pierce; a brother-in-law, Bill Asher; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents and two brothers: William Pierce and Thomas Pierce. Kathleen and Don met at Central Michigan University where they each served as president of their respective sorority and fraternity (DZ and TKE). Kathleen and Don were a true partnership and today he credits her for bring him a lifetime of happiness. Kathleen had a successful career of 44 years in education. She earned her BS degree in 1956 and her MA in 1967 from CMU. Following six years of teaching at Vassar Public Schools, she accepted a position at Mott Community College. She retired in 1989 as a faculty emeritus. In 1990, she accepted a position at Palm Beach State College. Kathleen was selected as an outstanding professor both at Mott and Palm Beach State College. She loved teaching and also loved politics having served as Tuscola County Democratic chair from 1975-85. She was chairperson of the committee to elect the first Democrat to the position of Sheriff in Tuscola County. Kathleen served on the Vassar Zoning Board and on the City Council. She served as president of the Michigan Women’s Studies Association (1974-75). In 1976, Kathleen served on the Florida Democratic National Convention as a member on the whip and rules committee which nominated Jimmy Carter as presidential candidate. She was selected as president of her homeowners association. She later served as a legal chair of the association. Avocations: Professional Percussions player, reading, golf, bowling and biking. A celebration of life will be held at the Vassar First Presbyterian Church in Vassar on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. for family visitation, and a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. with a reception and luncheon to follow. Interment will be private. Kathleen loved the following verse: “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone, and then one day I’ll cross the river, I’ll fight life’s final war with pain, and then as death gives way to victory, I’ll see the lights of glory, and I’ll know He lives.” Kathleen will forever be cherished and greatly missed. To know her was to love her, and for that we are blessed. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the First Presbyterian Church in Vassar.
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