Sally Ann (Hay) Cass Rae

She was born on October 8, 1934 in Kalamazoo, Mich., daughter of Howard L. and Mildred (Thome) Hay. Sally was raised in Escanaba in an old house at Sylvan Point. In school she formed a life-long friendship with Joanne Rae, a young polio victim.

Sally married Robert “Jim” Cass on December 28, 1951 and became an Air Force wife, starting her family and moving from base to base, Fort Meade in Maryland, California, Alabama, Kincheloe in the U.P., and finally K.I Sawyer in Gwinn, Mich. Sally would clean houses as a side job. After Jim retired from the Air Force, they moved to Escanaba. Jim passed away on January 25, 1975.

On February 14, 1976, Sally married Donald “Peno” Rae at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Wells, Mich. He was Joanne’s older brother and a widower with eight children. They moved into the larger home and raised their blended family. After a time, they became foster parents serving several children over five years. They lived in five different homes in the Escanaba area. Peno passed away on April 9, 2020 and Sally has resided at the Bishop Noa Home since then.

Sally has many descendants and she loved them all. She loved the Lord and attended St. Anthony’s Church for over 50 years.

Among survivors include her children, Jim (Jennifer) Cass, Pat (Mary) Cass, Debbie (Randy) Heider, Donald (Debbie) Rae, Dave (Judi) Rae, Becki (Mike) Pouliot, and Kitty (Todd) Gartland, daughter-in-law, Cindy Mosier; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, each of whom gramma loved dearly. Sally is also survived by many nieces, nephews; sister-in-law, Maryann Smoluch; and special friend, Carol Plouff.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Robert “Jim” Cass and Peno Rae; she was preceded in death by her sons, Charlie Cass, Jimmy Rae, and Bobby (Alisa) Rae, daughter, Dawn (Mike) Taylor; grandson, Patrick M. Cass, Jr.; brothers, Jack, Bill, and Bob Hay; sisters, Elinor Anderson, Vera Root, and Mary Martin; and best friend, Joanne Rae Priester.

Sally’s family thanks the wonderful staff of the Bishop Noa Home for the years of loving care given to their mom.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, March 27th at 3 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church with Rev. Rick Courier officiating. A meal will follow in the church hall.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.