Bente Sassano

Bente Mortensen Sassano, 74, passed away on Monday May 9^th, 2022 in the comfort of her home. Bente was born on August 20, 1947, to Gunnar and Ruth Mortensen in Kristiansen, Norway. In 1963, Bente met the love of her life, Vic Sassano, and the two were inseparable from that point on. Vic and Bente served in ministry together and were married for over 50 years. They have three children, Vic, Sheryl, and Sharon. Bente brought joy and laughter to so many through her passion for God, His Church, and of course, food. She was an accomplished cook, baker, crocheter, and professional wedding cake baker and decorator. Bente was known for sayings that she would get wrong or simply make up. This happened so frequently that we kept a running list of them. Here are some random selections, in no particular order, from more than 130 we recorded over the years:

“Up a tree without a paddle.”

“I start drinking in the morning as early as I can.”

“Did you ever have a yawn that tasted good?”

“I can’t remember what I didn’t say.”

“Where did all the sand come from?”

“You eat once and live twice.”

“I’m past the point of turning into a butterfly.”

“It’s like walking forward in reverse.”

“I’m so hungry I could swallow a wolf.”

“Like fish, I can have cake.”

“I don’t like eating a horse as much as eating a wolf.”

“I try not to drink too much when I’m out. I’m off my tree.”

“You’re bumpin’ for a cruisin’.”

“I know one thing: I don’t know!”

“I hope it’s stronger than beer.”

“I’m married, not dead.”

“I’m like a bull in a china closet.”

“I feel linty.”

“Sometimes you feel like a nut, and sometimes you are.”

“Wow, she was a quickie!”

“There’s no ‘w’ in crab legs.”

“Wheels on meals.”

“You can put a wiener in the casket with me.”

Bente was a fiercely dedicated mom to all of her children, raising Vic, Sheryl, and Sharon to honor, respect, and serve the Lord. Living for Jesus came first; it was a value she modeled, shared with her husband, and encouraged in all those around her. The hole left by her generous presence is impossible to fill, and we anticipate a marvelous, joyful reunion with her and Dad in heaven. Bente was predeceased by her husband Vic, brothers Roy, Dick, and Bill; and sisters: Liv, Bjorg, and Arlene. She is survived by her brothers Frankie, John, and Chris; her sisters: Sue and Cheryl; and her children: Vic, Sheryl, and Sharon; her grandchildren: Victor, Clair, Charity, Gianna, Anthony, Daniel, and Natalie. There are no events planned, as she did not wish to have services.

A special thanks to Bill and Sheryl for all the sleepless nights, extra expenses, and extended loving, excellent care they provided for our precious mother— we are very grateful!