Marsaelle F. McHale departed her earthly vessel Tuesday, April 5, 2005. If ever an angel shared life among us, it was Marsaelle. Astoundingly sweet, polite, elegant, generous, empathetic, and redolent of multi-hued spirit often evident in her compassion to others and in her humor and terse insightful comments. And, she had the most remarkably soft hands. Born to loving parents Charles Elijah and Ida Ruth Kempf Freidank in Palmyra, Missouri, October 10, 1920, she lived her youth in that small town near the haunts of Huckleberry Finn lore.

As a young woman, Marsaelle earned a bachelor’s of science degree at MacMurray College, in Jacksonville, Illinois. Soon thereafter, she accepted an administrative position at the Hanford Site and made Richland her home for nearly 60 years. During her career, culminating with retirement in 1974, Marsaelle specialized in technical document control and library management, holding supervisory roles for many of her working years.

In 1946, she met Francis J. “Mac” McHale, the decades-long director of Hanford Site security. They dated 12 years before finally marrying just prior to a visit with Marsaelle’s parents at their home, in Palmyra. Mac’s marriage proposal consisted of dryly suggesting that they wed as a means of saving on hotel expenses during that trip.

Their unique devotion and love for each other forged an unforgettable couple, beloved to hundreds of local and distant friends and to family afar. Though having no children of their own, they fondly doted on their acquaintances’ children, giving them memorable gifts at Christmas and Easter, year after year.

Marsaelle’s sweet personality perhaps derived partly from her love of fine chocolate, preferably dark chocolate creams. Another of her culinary favorites, so opposite chocolate but owing to her German heritage, was soft limburger cheese on crackers. As a little girl, she often savored this treat with her daddy. On a par with chocolate, Marsaelle adored kitties. She and Mac parented easily a dozen over the years, many strays from the neighborhood. Misty, Smoky, Garfield, Casey, Tinker, Mama San, Cleo, Cricket, and Pinky are names familiar to friends of Mac and Marsaelle.

Marsaelle’s precious Mac passed away in December 1999, leaving her to continually miss his remarkable presence. Tears would invariably well in her eyes at the mention of him.
Marsaelle’s older brother, Roland Duane Freidank — colorful and faithful writer of prodigious letters to his baby sister — lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, near his son, Roger. Roger and his wife, Cindy, have two children, Megan and Rory. In Houston, Texas, Duane’s daughter, Roxanna Guerra, resides with her husband, Angelo.

Not so long ago, Marsaelle was gently awakened by a visiting friend who asked if she’d been dreaming. She answered that she had and, further, that the dream had been delightful, for she had been happily dancing with her cats, in time to a joyful waltz. She is now reunited with her sweetheart Mac, as well as with all those feline creatures to whom she displayed exceptional tender care and affection, as she did to all the rest of us who are so immensely blessed to have known her.

Marsaelle attributed scant importance to ceremony concerning herself, and, so, her expressed wish shall be honored of not arranging anything resembling a commemorative service that would elevate attention to her passing. However, friends wishing to share their fond remembrances of her — and of Mac, as well — are invited to write Don Rokkan, at 95 Waldron St., Richland, WA 99354-2641, or call him, at 509-943-4934. He will treasure your dear sentiments and share them with Marsaelle’s remaining family. If you decide to donate to an agency with Marsaelle in mind, please consider the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice, which delivers a truly noble and vital service.