Mary Leila Sazama

Mary Leila Sazama (nee: Betthauser)

Mary passed into internal life on April 23, 2026. She was born at home in Tunnel City, Wisconsin on July 20th, 1930 to parents Mary Elinore (Finucan) and Leo Martin Betthauser. Mary graduated from West Salem High School, attended LaCrosse State College and graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in LaCrosse , WI in 1952.

She married her college sweetheart, Stanley L Sazama on October 18, 1952. They were married for 72 years until his passing on Feb 4, 2025.

Mary’s 45 year nursing career took her from San Clemente, CA to St. Paul, MN where she worked at both St. John’s Hospital and Divine Redeemer Hospital. She finished her career teaching in the LPN program at Dakota County Technical College.

Mary will be remembered for her unconditional love, concern for both her family and the people she served during her nursing years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Stanley, and her sister Sarah Schmid.

She is survived by her children Mary Meuwissen (Alan), Peter Sazama (Cheryl), Paul Sazama and Sara Antonie, brother John Betthauser (Linda) and sister Helen O’Brien, 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren and one on the way.

Both Mary and Stanley will be interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are preferred to St Joseph’s Catholic Church in West St. Paul or donor's choice.