Maryellen was born an only child to Roy and Mabel Dixon on September 16, 1935. She grew up in Colorado where she attended the University of Denver as a member of the Pi Phi Sorority and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Minor is Psychology. As soon as she graduated Maryellen joined the airlines as a stewardess for the Flying Tigers, Pan Am, and United. Her travels took her to Hawaii, Australia, and Japan. She had many stories of her ventures including sunbathing on Guam during layovers and barely landing on dry land when touching down from overseas flights.
From there she moved to Lake Tahoe to be a 'ski bum'. Taking numerous side jobs in the restaurant and bar business working nights so she could ski during the day. It was there she met her husband Dan Cassidy whom she was married to for 20 years. They moved to Concord in 1967. Raising one daughter she began her teaching career at Palmer School in Walnut Creek. It was there she had her largest impact teaching 5th grade and touching the lives of many students. "Mrs. Cassidy" was known as a strict disciplinarian but also for her storytelling and sense of humor. She always had a joke and loved pulling pranks on her students.
One could go on and on from her 1968 GTO convertible with the top down from March to October, her many years at the Kona Hut as her stomping grounds, and her HUGE passion for the Oakland Raiders. Quite possibly their biggest fan as season ticket holders for nearly 20 years. She was always quick to announce their winning score in morning assembly and even attended two Super Bowls.
She enjoyed golf, bowling, yearly trips to Kauai, reading and sunbathing. After 40 years in the Bay Area she moved to Bigfork Montana to be closer to family and spend time with her two granddaughters. Three years later she accepted the Lord as her Savior and finally found peace. As a resident of the Immanuel Lutheran Home she received excellent care from numerous aides and nurses. Her family is eternally grateful and forever indebted. Maryellen died peacefully clutching her teddy bear. She is survived by her daughter Danelle and Jeff Boll, two granddaughters Abigail and Cora, along with Hunter and Brock Boll. No services will be held except a private family celebration at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Immanuel Lutheran Communities.
to send a note of condolence to the family please visit
www.buffalohillfh.com
. Buffalo Hill FuneralHome is caring for the family