Mary Michele Bass

Mary was born in Paterson, New Jersey on July 22, 1937. She moved to Portland while in grade school and later met the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Bass on her 21st birthday. Mary often said that Dick was her gift from God. They married on April 11, 1959, and started a family of five. Once the kids were in school, Mary went to work for Amato Publications and then worked as a printing clerk at Kaiser until she retired.

Mary was known for her cooking and baking. She enjoyed putting on Thanksgiving and Christmas meals that brought the extended family together. Her baking included holiday favorites like pineapple coffeecake and Boccone Dulce. Mary also enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and creating stained-glass artwork. Mary and Dick were very involved members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. They also worked on projects together like making rosaries.

Throughout their lives Mary and Dick were passionate about travel. It didn’t matter how they traveled - from cruises to simply taking day trips to the Oregon Coast, Eastern Oregon or Mount Hood.

Mary is survived by her children, Mike Bass (Jenean), Patti Beauchesne (George), Karen O’Dell (Doug), and Bob Bass; and six grandchildren, Brenda and Kathy Bass, Alex and Henry O’Dell, and Danton and Mark Beauchesne.

The family firmly believes their parents are enjoying driving trips exploring the far corners of heaven.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary followed by a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Milwaukie, Oregon.