Obituary of Maria Elizabeth Gasper

Maria Elizabeth Gasper, 72, of Marquette passed away Sunday, June 2, 2019 at Riverview Estates in Marquette, KS.  Maria was born July 28, 1946 in Lindsborg, KS to the late William Chester and the late Lillian Maria (Peterson) Brown, Sr.  She married Alan Gasper on December 6, 1975 at Elim Lutheran Church in Marquette. 

Maria was a high school graduate and attended junior college.  She worked at Westinghouse Electric in Salina for five years in the 1970’s.  Maria was then hired by Kenneth Heinrich at Midwest Sewing and Vacuum, where she worked in sales and teaching sewing classes, from 1990 to 1998.  It was at that time that she partnered to have her own store.  She owned and operated The Emporium Inc. in Salina, selling Brother sewing machines, from 1998 until her retirement in 2007.

Maria had a love for sewing for herself and for others.  From childhood, she watched and learned from her mother Lillian, who passed away when Maria was 19 years old.  Maria made her own wedding dress and both her and Alan’s honeymoon apparel.  From 1987 through 1990, Maria won five best in show ribbons at the Kansas State Fair, for christening dress, sports attire, and formal dress.

She is survived by her husband: Alan Gasper, of the home; brothers: William Chester Brown, Jr., of Udan Thani, Thailand and Lawrence Edward Brown, of Forest Grove, OR; as well as numerous extended family members. 

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 9 at Elim Lutheran Church. There will also be visitation on Monday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service.

The funeral will be held 2:00 p.m., on Monday, June 10 at Elim Lutheran Church, 403 N Lincoln St., Marquette, with Pastor Phillip Hett, officiating.  Burial will follow at Marquette Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Kansas Human Society, Humane Society International, or to the Elim Lutheran Church. Memorial contributions may be sent in care of Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456.