Alice Mae Sassone

BOARDMAN - Alice Mae Sassone, 85, a woman of grace, intelligence, and boundless kindness, passed away unexpectedly at her home Dec. 31, 2025.

Born on July 25, 1940, in Youngstown, Alice was the daughter of the late George "Red" Williams and Lillian (MacBride) Williams. She shared a close bond with her sister, the late Sally Williams Wolfinger.

Alice was a proud 1958 graduate of Chaney High School, where she met the love of her life, Joseph Frank Sassone. They were united in marriage on July 6, 1962, and celebrated 60 years of traveling and shared memories before his passing in 2022.

In her early career, Alice worked as a dedicated legal secretary in both Youngstown and Bangor, Maine, during the time Joe served in the military. They eventually established their lifelong home in Boardman, where Alice devoted herself to nurturing her family and community.

Known for her quietly brilliant mind, soft voice, and quick wit, Alice was described by a close friend as a joyous, forever positive, and kind inspiration to those around her. She approached the world with a childlike sense of wonder, always remaining positive and never speaking ill of anyone. Her thoughtful nature enriched the lives of all who knew her.

Alice channeled her creativity into a diverse array of interests. She was a passionate horticulturist, earning the title of Master Gardener through her dedication to volunteering at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park. Her garden, a neighborhood delight, was meticulously tended to ensure as many blooms as possible by her birthday each year. She was proud of winning "best in show" for a perfect miniature rose and could name nearly every plant and flower she encountered.

Her strong friendships led her to become actively involved in the leadership and planning of "The Lizzies," a local chapter of the Red Hat Society formed from friends she made while volunteering at the garden. For 27 years, she helped organize countless monthly trips to various museums and gardens, ensuring endless adventures for the group. Even after her time with the Lizzies concluded, she maintained a cherished friendship with her dear friend Carol, continuing their special outings together.

Travel with Alice was always a treat, as she was known for meticulously planning every trip and always seeking out unique and interesting things to see. When her beloved grandchildren came to visit, she packed their days full of enriching activities and sights, once wearing them out with a non-stop itinerary that was a testament to her abundant love and enthusiasm for sharing the world with them.

A lover of architecture, particularly the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, Alice pursued a goal of visiting every home he designed. She and Joseph once celebrated an anniversary by staying at his River Rock home in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. Her own home reflected her vision, a canvas for her interior and exterior remodeling projects.

Alice embraced life actively, enjoying tennis and following the pro tours (even meeting Andre Agassi in California). She was an avid volleyball player well into her 70s and a dedicated bowler, participating in leagues at Boardman Lanes and later Camelot Lanes. She was also a dedicated Guardians fan who never missed a game.

She cultivated deep friendships throughout her life, maintaining an 80-year bond with her lifelong best friend, Judy Bartlett of Kansas City, Missouri. Alice loved attending live theater, lectures, visiting museums, nurseries, antique shops, and craft shows. While a self-proclaimed picky eater, she adored all desserts, especially Handles chocolate pecan ice cream, peanut butter mousse pie and her favorite salty snack, crunchy Cheetos.

Alice leaves a legacy of love and kindness. She is survived by her children, Brian Sassone of Campbell, CA, and Darlene Sassone of New Middletown; her dearly loved daughter-in-law, Helen; two grandchildren, Anjalia Sassone and Saviana Sassone; nephew Gary Wolfinger; and great-niece Alyssa Wolfinger of Henderson, NV. She also leaves behind her much-loved cat, Poppy.

Alice will be deeply missed by her family and many friends, who will forever remember her gentle spirit and inspiring positivity.

Family and friends may gather to pay respects from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown, where a funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m.