Mary Gerum Glasser May 8, 1945 - February 28, 2021
Mary Glasser, born Maria Roethel, on May 8, 1945 in Matrei, Austria, passed away on February
28, 2021, peacefully at home.
Shortly before the end of World II, the Roethel family fled Yugoslavia and settled in Matrei,
Austria. It was in this lovely area that Mary was born. Mary grew up in the beautiful mountains
of Tyrol until she was seven years old. In 1952, Mary, her parents, brother Herman, and sister
Heidi, emigrated to the United States, sponsored by St. Stephens Catholic Church, and settled in
Los Angeles, California. The young family adapted well to their new surroundings.
After graduating from Bishop Conaty High School in 1963, Mary started her first job with Bank
of America. Shortly after, she met Frank Gerum and they were married in 1965. They had two
sons Eric and Kurt. The new family moved to Huntington Beach, California.
Mary began working in the banking industry again, while raising the boys. They enjoyed many
family adventures. She supported the boys’ interest in motorcycles, which led to racing. The
family spent countless weekends in the desert and many nights around a campfire star gazing
and enjoying each other’s company. Mary was a wonderful mother and encourager to the
family. Some years later husband Frank began racing cars, which eventually led to his tragic
death in a car race. The boys were now grown and Mary’s career at the FDIC kept her busy.
Mary met Donald Glasser in 1988, line dancing at a country western club. The couple were crazy
about each other and were married in 1994. Mary and Don went on many wonderful vacations
and loved sharing life together. They were partners in Real Estate and eventually moved to
Murrieta, CA, where they enjoyed retirement together.
Both of her sons were married. Eric and Tricia and Kurt and Cristen each have three children.
Mary was a wonderful grandmother to them all. After retiring, Mary began painting
watercolors. She was quite talented, won awards, and sold her work in the local art shops.
Mary Glasser was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Her life leaves a
legacy of beauty and wonderful memories. Her paintings will always remind us of her creativity
and love for her family and nature. She is survived by her loving husband Donald, her sons Eric
and Kurt, their wives, six grandchildren, and her brother Herman Roethel, his wife, and her
sister Heidi Cutter, as well as three nephews and one niece.
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In light of the current Covid-19 restrictions the family has asked that only immediate family
attend the memorial.
In lieu of flowers a donation to Mary’s favorite charity, The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance would be
appreciated. Tuberous Sclerosis Complex is a rare genetic disorder and a gift to the alliance will
help towards finding a cure. Here is the link for more information or to make a donation:
https://www.tsalliance.org/
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Mary Gerum Glasser hosted by Murrieta Valley Funeral Home.