Mary Ellen Massura (nee Stafford), 88, of Oak Park died on Oct. 19, 2013 in the family home. Born on Oct. 11, 1925 in Lafayette, Ind., she was the eldest twin child of John William and Cora (Sauer) Stafford. She attended St. Mary School through fifth grade. The family moved briefly to Lakewood, Ohio, before settling in Oak Park in 1939, where she resided until her death.
A 1944 graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School, she pursued her B.A. in art with a minor in philosophy from Rosary College, now Dominican University, graduating in 1948.
She and Joseph Massura were married at Ascension Church on June 13, 1953, and they were active members of St. Catherine and Ascension parishes, especially in the Christian Family Movement.
After her family was raised, Mrs. Massura took an active role in the community, volunteering with a drug abuse education organization, as a literacy volunteer, and for various community and church missions. All who knew her commented on her exceptional generosity to everyone.
Mary Massura is survived by her Joseph, her husband of over 60 years; her children, James (Diane) and Paul (Barb); her grandchildren, Katherine, Elizabeth, Jeffrey (Kristine), David, Lauren (fiancé William Graff), Therese, Brian, Kevin, Ben and Nick; her great-grandchildren, Teresa and Gabriella; her sister, Marjorie Durso; her brother-in-law Dominic Scudiero; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, William; her brother, John; and her sister, Anne Scudiero. She is interred at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
Donations to Catholic Charities in her honor would be most welcome.
