Obituary of Sally Ann Masserant

September 14, 1932 – February 27, 2019

Sally Ann Masserant.  Age 86 of Riverview.

Beloved wife of the late Benjamin C. Masserant.  Loving mother of William (Jacqueline) Masserant, Larry (Cindy) Masserant, John (Kathy) Masserant, Linda (John) Wilson and Karen (Bill) Pisarzewski.  Dear sister of Kathleen Merrick, James (Susan) Malay and the late John Malay.  Also survived by 18 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren with 4 more arriving soon and sisters in law Ann Marie Malay and Alice Masserant.

Family Tribute

On September 14, 1932, Bill and Bernie Malay welcomed their first born child, a baby girl named Sally Ann. Growing up in the north end of Wyandotte, Sally’s adventures of camping in her daddy’s homemade camper and heading downtown to the cinema portrayed a loving life revolved around the thing most important to her, family. Her love for her family began with her parents, younger sister, Kathy, and two little brothers, John and Jim. While attending St. Patrick’s high school, this care and compassion for others made an impact on the lives of children she taught at Sunday school. Before graduating, Sally was called down to the office by a few of the Nuns. They were ready to recruit her to join them at the convent, to which she replied, “No way! I’ve got a boyfriend!” 

Who was this man keeping her from the sisterhood, you ask? He was a tall and handsome lad from Wyandotte, named Benjamin. Little did she know back then, this would be the start of a beautiful legacy. They got married on April 7, 1951, and in November 1952, Sally became a mother. Over the next eleven years, Sally and Ben’s family grew by four more. Bill, Larry, John, Linda, and Karen were their whole world. They had created a beautiful, love filled life in their charming three bedroom home on Brinson Street. Come fall 1960, Sally’s world changed when her beloved Ben got sick. On top of being a wife and mother, she now took on the role of caretaker for Ben and returned to the workforce to provide for their family. Throughout these tough times, Sally became tougher. Through sickness and in health Sally held onto what meant the most. Her family kept her going. Flash forward a few decades later, Sally suffered the loss of her childhood sweetheart, but her children, 18 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren with four more on the way were the highlight of her life. Looking back at Sally’s 86 years full of love, she reminds us to appreciate life’s most precious gift. Her love and pride for her family just radiated out of her, and you best believe you would feel that when you were with her. Her legacy will live on as her family continues to grow by those who called her “Mom” and “Grandma Sally.”