Mary Edith Hygh Kassel peacefully passed away at the age of 87 on Sept. 21, 2023, after a short illness.  Mary grew up an “Army Brat” with her 2 brothers, living all over the US and Panama.  The family eventually settled in Southern California in the 1940’s, where Mary graduated from Redlands High School in 1953.  At Ambassador College and UC Riverside, she focused her studies in music.  After marriage, she enjoyed traveling the world, lived in Germany for a short time, and became a resident of Pinole, CA, during the 1960’s.  Her passion was the piano, and she spent years as an accompanist in the Worldwide Church of God.  She discovered her true talent as a piano teacher and began teaching children and adults in her home.  She soon rented a studio at Fiat Music Company, Pinole Valley, where she taught piano for more than 40 years until she retired in 2020.  She was a highly requested teacher and even taught the children of previous students.  Mary enjoyed time socializing with family and friends.  She was extremely well read, known for her infectious laugh, and could converse on a multitude of topics.  People of all ages were drawn to her engaging personality, and her genuine desire to learn about their lives.  Mary is survived by her daughter, Karen (Tad) and granddaughter, Rui.  She was predeceased by her son, Clark.