Mary Evanstock Rassiason July 10, 2012 surrounded by her family, Mary Evanstock Rassias began her next adventure. She is survived by her husband John Rassias and their children: Helene Rassias-Miles (husband William Miles, Sr.), Athos Rassias (wife Marcia Procopio) and Veronica Markwood (husband David Markwood). Her nine grandchildren Jacob, Noah, Eliza, Matthew, Nicholas, Aris, Ida, Daniel and Isaiah - together with her extended family - will miss the light that she brought into each of their lives every day. And, the Upper Valley community will miss the tireless energy of one of its great humanitarians -- who dedicated so much of her time and resources to helping others.

Impossible to describe or forget, Mary Rassias, left an indelible impression on the lives she touched. There was always room at Mary's table. Rare qualities of acceptance and grace made family, friend and stranger alike feel at home in her presence.

A constant stream of Dartmouth students over the years adopted her as a second mother and her house as a second home. But, Mary's table was much larger than the fifteen to twenty people (often unexpected) that regularly filled her dining room. She was committed to children... particularly children and families in need. Mary dedicated countless hours to the never-ending, daily task of caring for people. She volunteered faithfully at the Upper Valley Haven, Habitat for Humanity and Saint Francis Church. Her contributions to the Montshire Museum helped children open their eyes to the world with their hands. And, she delivered countless meals to people in need through Meals on Wheels.

Mary Rassias was born Mary Evanstock in 1928 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. She grew up with her three sisters Catherine, Cecilia and Barbara and her brothers Matthew and Phillip. Mary was the eldest of the four children then attending Sts. Cyril & Methodius Elementary School and willingly assumed responsibility for her siblings there. This caring trait continued long after graduation, notably when she insisted upon financing her little brother's education at a Jesuit high school, Fairfield Preparatory. She herself matriculated at Warren Harding High School, where she was the energetic editor of the high school paper and helped develop her sister Cecilia's writing skills by assigning her a regular feature article. Her great interest in literature was sparked through these useful community tasks. After receiving her BA she joined her sister Barbara for a baptism of sophisticated City life by working in Manhattan. Later she was able to renew her personal interest in dramatic productions by participating enthusiastically in her future husband's home cinema productions such as "The Consul" by Gian Carlo Menotti.

She obtained her bachelors degree from the University of Bridgeport and continued her educational experiences in France. After college she worked as an executive secretary at the General Electric Company.

In 1954 she married her life-long partner John Rassias in Paris, France. Together their adventurous life took them to many destinations including French-speaking Africa, China, Scandinavia, Greece and Turkey.

The outpouring of support and love received over the past week from those who knew her is a testament to the fact that wherever Mary Rassias went, her simple honest and genuine nature had a profound impact.

It is impossible to believe that she is gone. We are better for having known her. We will always remember that she was the best that humans have to offer. And, we will miss her more than we can possibly imagine.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Mary's name to the Upper Valley Haven at 713 Hartford Ave. White River JCT, Vermont 05001. Contributions can also be made to St. Francis Church in Norwich to 75 Beaver Meadow Road, Norwich Vermont 05055.

There will be a visitation at Rand-Wilson Funeral Home Hanover, NH on Monday, July 16 2012 between 6PM and 8PM. Funeral services will begin at 11AM on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at St. Francis Church in Norwich, VT. Burial will be immediately after the service with a luncheon to follow at St. Francis.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rand-Wilson Funeral Home of Hanover, NH.