Alice Mae Mandril-Johnson
Born: December 12, 1921
Died: October 11, 2015
Alice Mae Mandril-Johnson 93, passed peacefully in her own home on Oct. 11, 2015.
She was proceeded in death by her husband, Fred W. Johnson, her parents, and her siblings. Survivors include her daughters Jolene Cassa (Richard) Granier, Laurie (Larry) Drefke, Grand daughter, Ashley (Tyler) Sanchez and Grandson, Deon Drefke, Great grand daughters, Madison Alice and Lucy Mae.
Alice was a feisty little Italian lady that did everything to perfection and expected everyone else to do the same. She never asked you to do more than she did but she expected you to do your best. Born on December 12, 1921 in the small mining camp of Sopris, Colorado to Batista Mandrille and Saverina Bolario, Italian immigrants who came to America in 1903. Grammy, as we called her, was the youngest of seven, four brothers and two sisters. The family lived in a four room house without plumbing or heating built by her father and other immigrants. Naturally, it had a wine cellar. Her father was a coal miner and her mother a seamstress and homemaker. Lincoln High School Panthers was her alma mater where she was extremely athletic and competitive. She had to be with four older brothers. Her sport was basketball and she played in the AAU tournament in Omaha, Nebraska. Later she became a softball player and a bowler carrying a 160 average and throwing a 16 lb bowling ball. Her reputation of being the best ballroom dancer spread to the other mining camps.
At the age of 14 her mother was diagnosed with sugar diabetes. Grammy became the matriarch of the family, carrying for her parents. This began her life time calling of being a care giver. In 1941, she became engaged to Joe S. Cassa, son of Mary and Pete Cassa. She was suppose to marry in June of that year but her mother passed in March and according to Italian tradition, the family had to mourn for six months. She and her sisters wore black clothing the entire time. Grammy promised her mother that she would always take care of her father. Poppy, as we called him, and Grammy were never separated until he passed. Her daughter Jolene was born and her new husband went off to war. She was 21 years old, alone with a new baby and her father.
In 1949, the family moved to Denver. Joe with her brother, Chuck, opened the Standard Oil Filling Station on the corner of 38th and Sheridan, a land mark in the community. The business became Casman Automotive and is still in the family, run by her nephew, and his sons.
In 1956, her second daughter, Laurie was born. The family prospered and she always gave thanks for her family and home.
In 1978, Alice and Fred W. Johnson, aka “Fredo” were married and enjoyed traveling and sharing their love of family until he passed in 1987. She continued her caring for loved ones shortly after when her older sister moved to Denver to live with her. Alice and her big sister, Margaret, enjoyed years of taking care of grandchildren, preparing marvelous meals for the family and simply being together. After her sisters passing, Alice’s dear sister-in-law of 50 years also passed, leaving a beloved brother-in-law, George Cassa, alone and in need of care. Again, Alice fulfilled her desire to care for family encouraging George to live in her loving house. They, too, spent many years sharing their love for family, and eating out! A lot! Our Beloved Uncle George passed in 2014, leaving Alice and the entire family with many treasured memories and love.
Although Grammy was her favorite nick name, she had many others: Big Al, Al,” A”, Alma, Allie, Barney, The GodMother, Grand-Ma, and Grandbo. Her humor was contagious and spread to other family members.
Grammy, as most called her, was a role model for our large Italian family. She was devoted to God, Family and her home. Her legacy will be her fabulous Italian cooking including ravioli, each one stuffed and cut by hand. Grammy loved roses and cared for them as gently as she cared for her family. She was strict with high expectations but always fair and wise. As her daughters, she knew what we were going to do before we did, especially if it was trouble.
A Memorial Mass was held Friday, October 23, 2015 at Spirit of Christ Catholic Church, 7400 W 80th Ave, Arvada, 80003. Inurnment followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 12801 W. 44th Avenue in Wheat Ridge. As we say “good bye” to our mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt, we know she will be the matriarch of our memories,and always in our hearts.
