ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of my mother, Cassandra Su-Kim Fong.  

I was able to talk to her right before she went into surgery and my mother's last words to me, after we told each other we loved each other, were:

"I am strong.  I am a warrior."


I am so proud of her.

I know our family and community is grieving immensely, and I wanted to create this website so we could share any stories, pictures, and videos we may have of her, to celebrate and honor her, and most of all, laugh and smile in her memory.  

How very lucky we all were, to have known her and been a part of her life.  I will be forever grateful to have been her daughter and to have been able to share our lives together.

When I graduated high school, one of her gifts to me was a notebook full of some of her favorite poems - some she had written, and ones she had appreciated over the years.  I will be sharing those here.  

We will remember her forever, and she will give me strength and love every single day.

With love,
Christi 

Do not stand by my grave and weep
I am not there
I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am a diamond glint of snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awake in the morning hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds encircling flight
I am the soft starshine at night
Do not stand by my grave and cry
I am not there
I did not die

- Mary Elizabeth Frye (1932)
April 15, 2023
April 15, 2023
Hi Christi:
I met your mother at TAS many years ago (grade 7/8?). She was always friendly and helpful in school and oh so smart without appearing to make any efforts in school!. Although we’ve lost touch after Cassie left Taiwan, we were able to reconnect once when my family went skiing at Lake Tahoe. I just wanted you to know that your mother was very proud of you at UC Berkeley and told us all about your triathlon accomplishments.  (We did have much to talk about referencing triathlon as my daughter was training for her first ironman distance then.)  Although it’s been more than 2 years since Cassie’s passing, I hope you are comforted by the knowledge that your mother left behind great memories of her as a wonderful and helpful friend. 
Take care,
Chungyee
November 14, 2022
November 14, 2022
Two years later and its still unbelievable. We had countless conversations about one day becoming grandparents (as we were raising our children) and she had resigned herself to the possibility of 'not'. Oh how she would revel in baby Henry! Thank you Christi for sharing him...the updates. Each time I see a photo, my heart skips a beat. Cas wanted your complete happiness and it brings me great joy to see you loving him. I miss my sweet dear friend.
November 13, 2022
November 13, 2022
Cassie,

Another year has passed without you and my broken heart has healed a bit. The pain of losing you has lessened and memories of you have lifted my spirits. You are so missed! My memories of our pickleball time, Tastea group gatherings and the New Year's eve party we attended make me smile! Sending much love-Jan
November 13, 2022
November 13, 2022
Christi, congratulations to the new addition to your family! No doubt, Cassie would have been a doting grandma! She loved pickleball, but I'm sure she'd be playing less of it and be spending time more time with her Little "Leong." It's been two years since she moved on, but I still miss her very much, especially whenever I play pickleball. She'll be forever in my heart and mind!
November 13, 2022
November 13, 2022
It is hard to believe how quickly two years have flown by. Cassie will never be forgotten by her pickleball family, and she is always mentioned at our events. The pickleball family has grown over the last two years, and Cassie played a big part in making this family the supportive and loving group that we are. It is not anyone's preference, Christi, but how lucky that your family and especially your little boy has a special guardian angel watching over you all. 

Much love, Harriet
November 13, 2022
November 13, 2022
Two years later, I still think of you every day. We welcomed our son in June. I so wish you could have met him, you'd love him and I have no doubt you'd be out here visiting as often as you could. For now, he'll have to just hear about his Paw-Paw. I love you and miss you, Mom. <3
September 9, 2021
September 9, 2021
Missing my friend of over 30 years. I think of you often and miss our talks. Miss your post on face book and hearing about your dog. Just MISS YOU!
November 27, 2020
November 27, 2020
I met Cassie at ACC playing pickleball. She always arrived early and stayed late.
Became a very good player and all so a good friend.
She would share her passion for life.
Her Jade, Rex, her coloring and of course Christi.
She is so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments.
Her love of the ocean and of life.
She was very determined and driven, once she had her mind made up it was going to happen.
I shall miss her.
Her smile, her determination, her excitement for life.
Gone far to soon and never forgotten.

Gary
November 24, 2020
November 24, 2020
Cassie, hope your daughter Christi could see this message: I just want to say that I am glad that I had the opportunity to meet you. Even though, we have known one another only since March 2020. Your group of pickleball players has welcomed my husband and I, and later in Sept. my son Viet, thanks to your kind leadership and initiative (setting up the pickleball games for the group). Glad that you offered to play with me, in spite of being I just a beginner. The sign that you made with Kathy and Patti will be a reminder of you being with us and making sure that we are all safe while having fun at the pickleball court. I am glad I didn't wait until I get better at pickleball in order to be your partner (at least once) Lol. You were a great pickleball player and your enthusiasm, and kind and generous leadership was contagious. Your legacy will continue... until we meet again, my friend.
November 23, 2020
November 23, 2020
Dear Cassie,
Although I had first met you 20+ years ago when I was Christi's orthodontist and even though you are Tom's second cousin, I really didn't get to know you until we started playing pickleball together. During this past year, we started to get close and we were just becoming 'sistas'. Through the "unprecedented" trials of COVID-19 and poor air quality due to the California fires, and our quest to become better pickleball players and our dreams of dedicated pickleball courts at Garcia Bend, our shared experiences served to draw us closer. I always looked forward to playing pickleball with you and our Tastea outings. I appreciated all of your organizational efforts to set up COVID-safe pickleball playtimes and I enjoyed the inspirational/educational pickleball videos, music CD's and random shopping temptations you shared. I will miss your caring ways and the way you reached out and lovingly interacted with each of us. You had a special gift of developing deep, caring and committed relationships with so many people, because you sincerely cared about each one of them, and each one of us felt cared about.
I will miss you, Cassie. I'll miss seeing you at pickleball playtimes, and I'll miss laughing, eating, drinking and talking with you. I'll miss getting your texts, and your sharing of your colorings, your beach and sea glass collecting escapades, and your spirited thoughts on 'things'.
Thank you for reminding us that each day is a Gift, and to live each day fully, as you did.
Until we meet again.
Love, Patty
November 23, 2020
November 23, 2020
Posting at the request of Lana Chong...

Cassie's leaving so suddenly still has most of us shell-shocked. But then, Cassie always seemed to know when it was time for changes or departures. My clan is Fong, and hence our connections span from Cassie and Debbie's parents, Rosetta and Richard's being great and loyal friends with our eldest sister and hubby, Yvonne and Bob Soo, during their involvement with the Chinese Community Church. Also, Richard provided key and advisory guidance to my Dad in his success as a Bartlett pear farmer on the Sacramento River.

Bittersweet as it is, Cassie and I renewed our friendship and promised to stay in touch after Rosetta passed away - how many years ago? No matter. Cassie embodied the truthfulness of friendship and relationships, being able to catch up and making a date for coffee or tea. Her personal and courageous strengths, admitting her healthy issues, but also taking charge of changing her life and her diet to achieve a more balanced way of living. Our shared love of dogs - her Jade, our dogger, Flex, brought us closer. Her dedication and loyalty as a canine parent, admirable! And celebrate! We toasted each other's landmark birthdays, (her 60th and then my 70th) with different celebrations, but Oh! What Joy!

Cassie was loyal and constant about her relationships, often extolling her appreciation for her sister Debbie, especially the support given her in so many ways. With Christi, Cassie always regaled me with joyful updates about Christi's achievements: successes as an elite athlete; then plans to become a DVM, then get married, in a flurry of Cal Blue and Gold. Bless the days for her seeing both of those life dreams realized! We laughed a lot and also looked forward to seeing each other.

Even during these years, as we both suffered personal losses and relationship issues, and no better and kinder a friend was Cassie in her emails and our phone calls. Alas, the ebb and flow of life simply meant that we missed each these last few years, but we'd pop in and encourage each other, her coming to the ACC for a dance class; ah, then she spotted Pickleball, so off she went. That's Cassie. Both Cyndi and she encouraged me to come out to take up PB, and I did drive by Garcia Bend, and I spotted Cassie immediately, her perfect posture and her readiness for the game. So it is, Cassie was always ready for the next chapter.
November 22, 2020
November 22, 2020
Dear Cassie, remember the first time we met on the pickleball courts (where else)? I said you looked familiar and asked you if you went to St. Anthony Parish on Florin Road. You said "No" and asked me if I was Chinese or Japanese. I said, "Neither, I'm Filipino." Months went by when I didn't play and had forgotten about our first meeting. So, when I saw you again on the pickleball courts (of course), I asked you the same question I had asked you during our first meeting. Similarly, you also asked the same question you had asked me previously! And that's how our beautiful friendship started.

I remember we were so hooked on pickleball that we played throughout last winter. Even bitter and biting cold couldn't stop us from playing; only wet weather did. Spring came, unfortunately along with the pandemic which resulted in court closures, so we couldn't play for a while. But not for long because even before the courts reopened, we snuck in a few games at Kennedy HS to hone our skills which I was sorely lacking. And no matter how hard you tried to teach me, I could never emulate your fast serve and strong backhand! When the courts finally reopened, you started Cassie's (pickleball) crew and scheduled months long appointments and at the same time kept us safe. That was a big convenience for everyone as your crew kept growing by the day. Being an early person, you set up plays at 7:30am, which was right smack of my REM sleep. But because you were so kind and considerate, you let me just show up whenever I could. Thank you for I could never make it to your games on time regardless of how hard I tried. Thank you also for switching game time to 11am when the temps turned. Unfortunately, 11/13 happened right after the time change. Still, we are and will be enjoying the convenience of the time change through Spring. So, we'll be forever grateful!

When Covid-19 happened, we exchanged myriads of messages. Incredibly, in spite of these messages, it never came up that you loved and wrote poetry. I love poetry, too! It never fails to ruin a bad day! You might recognize these few lines from Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet:

  "For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
  And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

  Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
  And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
  And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance."

Third time is a charm, right? If by some miracle I do end up in heaven and meet you again, I'm sure I wouldn't fail to recognize you this time in your resplendent black and purple outfit and "Woof" baseball cap. Mostly likely, Jade would be there with you. Although I didn't have the pleasure of meeting her, I'd recognize her from the pictures I've seen. Fyi, I'd be wearing my red shorts and an orange shirt with a black panda in front along with the inscription, "I don't do mornings." Till we meet again, my dear pickleball Pal!
November 22, 2020
November 22, 2020
Cassie and I started playing PB at ACC about the same week. It instantly bonded us as we encouraged and supported each other during our shakey start.
We shared our love of old school music. Cassie was generous and kind enough to make both Pat and I CDs. She would tell me that she would listen to her EW and F one to get her in the mood for PB. I will be singing my Tower of Power songs with her in my car forever.
Cassie would let me know about music shows on TV, give me PB news and we shared life. I remember how proud she was of Christy when she lifted 180 lbs , a personal best which of course, I was amazed about too.
From our dorky beginnings in PB , Cassie, you have come a long way, BABY! To a leader and activist for the PB community. Clearly it shows how special you are.
You have been taken from us too soon, and I will surely miss ya , sweetie.
Lisa
November 20, 2020
November 20, 2020
I met Cassie through Pickleball. I liked her immediately. She struck me as being a strong, determined and an overall “good “ person that I would be happy to call friend. I was always happy to see her on the courts.

I stopped playing pickleball this February to attend to health issues for my mother and husband and continued my absence due to covid concerns. During my absence, I could depend on Cassie to occasionally text me just to check in and make sure all was well. What a good friend! 

I am devastated that she is gone physically, but am consoled that she lives on in the memories of all whom loved her.

Mo
November 19, 2020
November 19, 2020
It is with heartfelt sympathy that I write on Cassie's obituary page. My eyes are watery and sadness fills my heart. I can't believe she is gone (but not forgotten). She had a goodness, free-spirit, and many other qualities about her that I appreciated. Cassie, you were taken too soon from us. My heart hurts, my mind dulled and numb from this sad news. I know you are giving you daughter and sister strength to go forward because you cared so deeply for them and they for you! God be with you.
November 19, 2020
November 19, 2020
I got to know Cassandra only relatively recently as an organizer of pickle ball activities. She impressed me as a nice friendly lady, as a a team mate and skillful opponent in playing the game. I am shocked and regret that I did not get to know her longer and better.  Bob Pecora
November 18, 2020
November 18, 2020
Thank-you, Kristi, for providing this site for us to share our memories and thoughts of Cassie!
I have known Cassie for about 10 years, am a Pickleball player but not as faithful a player as Cassie, and have been a fan of hers since I heard how she turned her health and life around by changing her lifestyle.
Being somewhat of a health nut myself, I have always believed a person could have an active, vibrant life if they decided that was what they truly wanted. Cassie was living proof!! I admired her for the effort and dedication it took to change.

Besides the obvious advantages of being healthy and energetic......Cassie’s ultimate reward was to become a teriffic, competitive Pickleball player.....a skill and talent that she loved! 
Now that is what I call living a life to the fullest.
She may not be here with us physically, but she has left her example of a good life.

I’m sure Cassie’s proudest legacy is her daughter,
Kristi! I hope I get the opportunity to meet you one day❤️. Love, Birdie
November 18, 2020
November 18, 2020
Like many others, I got to meet Cassie for the first time just last year at ACC, when my cousin Jan and I got up the nerve to finally go. Cassie caught the PB bug and fell as hard as most of us did from the very first time we picked up a paddle! I remember how friendly she was when we first met and we would compare how long we'd been playing (not long!) and how much fun it was to be out there. She was great to partner with and play against, always with a smile!

Cassie was so incredibly loved. I didn't have the close relationship that others shared with Cassie, but I have always enjoyed and appreciated her genuine friendliness and warmth. In reading the tributes and stories, I truly wish I had had more time to get to know her even better. I hadn't realized we were the same age, graduated the same year from our respective high schools, and had loved the same type of music!

My most cherished memory of Cassie was our texting about being moms. She learned that my daughter Jaime had gotten COVID-19 but had thankfully recovered, and she was so relieved but knew how scary it must have felt at the time. We chatted about our girls and admitted how no matter what age they were, they would always be our precious babies.

Rest in peace, Cassie. You are deeply missed by us all.
November 17, 2020
November 17, 2020
From Kate Butler (Kathy Lee), via Curtis Chong:

I knew Cassie at TAS, and recall that small-world aspect when I found out you knew Deborah at Berkeley and I got to meet her on visits. Your note prompted me to dig through a couple old China Gate yearbooks I found, and I found the photo attached, of her dancing with Les Tribble. It is amazing how unchanged she looked over the years! It's nice to see the more recent photo you shared. Thanks for doing that. Like so many people across the moves, we didn't stay in touch, so I hope she had a happy life. I can only imagine she will be deeply missed. Please let her sister know we are thinking of her, and you.

Peace,
Kathy
November 17, 2020
November 17, 2020
From Will Lee

Cassie was in my class and we had lots of fun times at TAS. Good memories even after TAS - I remember that Curtis, Rick, Mary, and I spent a Christmas vacation at Cassie and Deborah’s mom’s house in Sacramento. Cassie also flew out to Baltimore for Mary’s wedding in 1987. It meant so much to Mary and me that Cassie was there. 
Best,
Will
November 17, 2020
November 17, 2020
From Thomas Jee:

I am so sorry to hear of Cassie’s passing. I caught up with her at the TAS reunion in Long Beach in 2003. She was a lovely person with a bright and positive attitude. I know she was very close to her daughter and sister. Thank you for letting me know. I’ll let my friends who knew her know of her passing.
Take care, old friend.
Tom
November 17, 2020
November 17, 2020
Adjusting to a new normal is the hardest part of all. I've been reading my inbox messages over and over. (I have several years worth. ) The thought of never reading ...'me again' breaks my heart. Cassie, you were so kind, loving, compassionate. Thank you for caring for my family and always asking about my son - especially in the recent climate. I miss you my friend! ❤️
November 16, 2020
November 16, 2020
Cassie found out about Pickleball at ACC Senior Service. She fell in love with the game at the very beginning, her enthusiasm was infectious. It was always a joy to play with her. Many of us started playing at Garcia Bend Park during the COVID019 crisis. She was a major force in initiating that group and we are all saddened by her loss.
November 16, 2020
November 16, 2020
I too met Cassie at ACC pickleball. Over time we developed a friendship as "sistas". We played pickleball, online shopped, texted about daily events and met at Tastea to share good food and friendships! My heart is heavy with your passing. There is a huge void without you. You will always be in my thoughts and heart. Thanks for sharing your ninja warrior strength and love of BTS. Rest in peace. Deepest condolences to your daughter and family. 
November 16, 2020
November 16, 2020
I am having a difficult time processing.

I shared messages with Cassie only 10 days ago.

Having grown up with her in elementary school then losing track of her, it has been an absolute gift to have found her last year when she reached out, encouraging me to attend our 45th high school reunion.

I will miss Cassie. I will miss hearing about her sense of bittersweet accomplishment at selling the family home, the appreciation of her time in Asia as a teen and in Africa while Christi was young, the pride she felt for the work her father did in Viet Nam, her athletic zeal and love for her pickle ball circle. Ketchup and oyster sauce on her ribeye?! Sweet Jade. She shared videos of Christi confidently performing a 180 pound power clean and asked me to send her pictures of the full moon. I don't know how many times she expressed her gratitude for Ya Lin and, of course, for Rex. She was so proud and flattered when some of the stronger PB players rated her a 3.0. Christi's birthday flowers. Water colors. And the 31 flavors of dating.

And unsurprisingly, in one of the last communications I had with Cassie, she busted me for hesitating to get a dog when my wife wanted one, saying, "How can you deny someone you love something they want so dearly?"

You're right, Charlie Brown.

I love you.

Don
November 16, 2020
November 16, 2020
I met Cassie on the pickleball courts about a year ago and it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. She was a warrior, a strong independent woman and I admired her and will miss her so much. We got in the habit of trading pictures of the puzzles I finished and the pictures she had colored. I'll post some of my favorites. Besides being a member of the Dinky Chicks she came up with a nickname for herself but didn't want to share. Well, "Firecracker", hope you won't mind if I share now! You brought so many of us together on the pickleball courts, the queen of scheduling games and the AQI official reporter during the wild fire smoky days. Taken too soon, but know you're at peace. I feel your spirit on the courts and will be forever grateful to have had you in my life; for such a short time, you made a big impression. RIP Cassie
November 16, 2020
November 16, 2020
I met cassie last year on the PB courts at ACC and in one of our first games across the net from each other, i hit her in the face with the ball.  She put her hand up to her face, walked off the court, and sat in the shade. I apologized, she said she was fine, and left it at that. Kwong Su-Kim, a true Pickleball warrior.  We became friends and as I learned more about Cassie my admiration for her grew. She was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney failure and was determined to not let it slow her down.  Stage 4 and dialysis was not an option. She lost 45 pounds in 3.5 years through disciplined dieting and regular exercise.  Cassie lived life to the fullest - playing Pickleball daily, driving 2+ hours to Pacifica just to sit by the ocean, indulge herself everyday with her favorite lychee freeze at Tastea, dog sitting Rex, and coloring (some of which would take 10-12 hours). Cassie dreamed of someday visiting Santorini, in the Greek Islands, and Bali. I’ll miss her friendship and her beautiful smile. Here’s the last coloring she shared with me 11/9/20. Under the picture she texted, “Wish I was here.” I like to think that’s exactly where she is. https://www.forevermissed.com/lst/c/a/cassandra-fong/p/2076113_235x235_ff1b1c.jpg
November 16, 2020
November 16, 2020
I had the privilege of meeting Cassie In January at my first pickleball session. She immediately welcomed me and made me feel so comfortable. We quickly bonded usually texting/talking daily. I’m so glad that I finally made it to tastea with you and the group. We laughed and talked which will stay in my memories. It’s not the same at pickleball without you there but I know time will heal but you will never be forgotten. Gone to soon RIP Cassie
November 16, 2020
November 16, 2020
I met Cassandra when I was a student at UC Davis, working as an intern in her office from 2005 to 2006. In that short time working together, she had befriended me and would often give me advice, as I never had a mother figure in my life. After graduating, I moved back to the Bay Area so didn't have much opportunity to see her, but I was always happy to see her posts on Facebook to see how she is doing. I am so grateful to have known her and feel so heartbroken at this news.
November 15, 2020
November 15, 2020
I feel like I was just punched in the gut. My dear sweet friend of over 30 years past away suddenly. I am grief stricken, in shock and lost for words. This can't be! Not my friend! Cassandra Fong had a heart of gold, and now my heart breaks at the thought that I can't just send a shout out message or connect for lunch during my return visits to California. 

Our friendship began at UCDavis 30+ years ago as co workers, which quickly evolved to walking buddies, tennis partners, foodies, travel consultants, spiritual advisors and world problem solvers. We talked about everything, child rearing, relationships, and in recent months how bad she felt about the Black Lives Matter movement. Every time something would happen, she would inbox me...are you OK Gaz? She cared deeply. And each time I would tell her, I'm OK Cas.

I watched her daughter grow up and go off to college, graduate, vet school & marriage- she shared in my courtship & marriage, and son's adventures, and she was always interested in where I was moving to next! Just a few weeks ago she couldn't wait to hear about my next move!

Her deep deep affection for Jade was priceless, her love for pickle ball was exhilarating and her artistic abilities impressive. I loved watching her find new ways to stay active.

Cas and I talked about everything under the sun. When she was down and needed prayer, she would ask me to pray- saying 'God listens to me' LOL...and she wasn't so sure if it would work for her the same. She would say she liked my faith... But I would always remind her that God loved her just the same.

Christie, you truly were her pride and joy. She was so incredibly proud of you & loved you more than life itself. To her sister Deborah, I feel like I know you, she spoke of you often and I would often hear of the dim sum lunches/dinners. From the pictures, the food always looked amazing. I am so sorry for your families loss. My heart breaks because I have lost a friend, but You 2 have lost a mom, sister and friend.

My most heartfelt and deepest condolences. I love you Cas and I loved our friendship.❤️
November 15, 2020
November 15, 2020
I am in shock. I always looked up to your strength in adversity and was so jealous of your athletic abilities. I will so miss your beauty and light up smile. Rest in peace Cassie
November 15, 2020
November 15, 2020
I have been Cassandra’s neighbor since 2011. She’s between dogs. I’m grateful for the past 9 months that she took care of our dog(Rex) for me while I’m at work. They had a great bond. She even brought Rex bully sticks( too expensive for me). I will miss the porch light being on when I get home. She loved painting, Pickle ball and taking Jade to Half Moon bay overnight. Who am I going to call when I lock myself out of house. Rest In Peace. 
November 15, 2020
November 15, 2020
I had the good fortune of crossing path with Cassie doing Tai Chi at Reichmuth Park many years ago, and more recently playing pickleball at Garcia Bend Park and Lewis Park. We shared in few other things which included foods and recipes. 

Last year Cassie & I shared in a pleasant surprise - news of me knowing her Mother, Rosetta, from Caltrans where I worked. Rosetta & I rode the #6 RT bus home on S. Land Park Dr. We laughed that the Asian community is small after all, and everyone is related to one another, especially the Fongs!

Cassie always did things with such gusto which I admired. When she started playing pickleball at ACC with us, I knew she was "all in" and going to take it to another level. And she did!

She care for the PB family and literally took care of us making sure we played safely in this unprecedented time o Covid-19. I appreciated Cassie always including me in the "Invite Play" at Garcia Bend & Lewis Park. I along with our PB family will greatly miss Cassie.
November 15, 2020
November 15, 2020
A poem written by my mother in August 1990:

One Summer Day

As I sat all alone
with thoughts to myself,
clouds moved slowly
across the blue-hued sky
like wisps of cotton
dancing up above.

A crisp, gentle breeze
blew softly upon my face,
while the clean, cool water
rippled at my feet.

Then, I immersed myself
in the glorious canal
and received a
wonderful tingling sensation
all over my tired body.

When I lay my should to rest
in the warmth of the sun,
the beams shown through the trees
like bits of lace and gold.

Such beauty captivated me.
A kind of paradise.
Reality to some.
A welcomed dream to me.

A moment to reflect.
A chance to remember.

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Recent Tributes
April 15, 2023
April 15, 2023
Hi Christi:
I met your mother at TAS many years ago (grade 7/8?). She was always friendly and helpful in school and oh so smart without appearing to make any efforts in school!. Although we’ve lost touch after Cassie left Taiwan, we were able to reconnect once when my family went skiing at Lake Tahoe. I just wanted you to know that your mother was very proud of you at UC Berkeley and told us all about your triathlon accomplishments.  (We did have much to talk about referencing triathlon as my daughter was training for her first ironman distance then.)  Although it’s been more than 2 years since Cassie’s passing, I hope you are comforted by the knowledge that your mother left behind great memories of her as a wonderful and helpful friend. 
Take care,
Chungyee
November 14, 2022
November 14, 2022
Two years later and its still unbelievable. We had countless conversations about one day becoming grandparents (as we were raising our children) and she had resigned herself to the possibility of 'not'. Oh how she would revel in baby Henry! Thank you Christi for sharing him...the updates. Each time I see a photo, my heart skips a beat. Cas wanted your complete happiness and it brings me great joy to see you loving him. I miss my sweet dear friend.
November 13, 2022
November 13, 2022
Cassie,

Another year has passed without you and my broken heart has healed a bit. The pain of losing you has lessened and memories of you have lifted my spirits. You are so missed! My memories of our pickleball time, Tastea group gatherings and the New Year's eve party we attended make me smile! Sending much love-Jan
Recent stories
November 17, 2020
I have known Cassie since grade school as our mom's were fellow mahjong players. our personal friendship blossomed in 2003 as we ran into each other at Vallejos restaurant, and we exchanged phone numbers. we bonded over mutual relationship challenges, music, dining, shopping (eventually thrift store shopping ,as I was a volunteer at Weave Thrift, and Cassie volunteered for the SPCA Thrift store).
We both shared a love of music and I have fond memories of us dancing the night away through Smooth Jazz concerts at the Radisson, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Tower of Power, Michael Buble, Soul Reviews, Terry Steele, etc. We spent many summer nights dancing at Concerts in the Park, toting along our drinks, and munchies. We became "groupies" to more local bands, Caravan Serai, East Wind, and my friend Oscar's band The Old Pinoys'/Sunset Island Band. I will always visualize Cassie dancing with a smile on her face everytime I hear "Uptown Funk"! My favorite CD's are the ones Cassie "burned" for me....Andrea Bocelli, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, EW&F, TOP, and my all time favorite....anything and everything Freddie Mercury /Queen!
One Xmas season, with Christi in town, Cassie invited Laureen and I to her house for a holiday brunch where she made her famous "Cassierolle. For our "party favors", Cassie burned us CD's of a "mystery artist", and had us madly guessing his identity as the CD played him singing Al Green's "Let's Stay Together"....lo & behold, Donny Osmond!
Cassie and I also shared our love of dogs. Being "mom"s" of 4 legged children, Jade and Budda. When I had to put Budda down, heartbroken and devastated, I wanted to fill the void. Cassie rose to the challenge, got on line with" Lab Rescue", took me to the SPCA, County Animal Shelter in search of my new "4 legged love". We ended up finding a black lab research dog at UCD who was being "adopted out". I remember sending in my resume and went to meet "Ducky" (a 5 year old black lab) 2 days after the super bowl. I had to interview with the two "student handlers", who were responsible for caring for Ducky on off hours and weekends. I felt an immediate "love connection" with Ducky, his sweet spirit and happy wagging tail. I sealed the deal at the end of the interview by presenting the students (CJ & Jason) the yummy berry cobbler Cassie made for my superbowl party, hardly touched due to too full "junk food" bellys. They were both elated, and I was told later in the week, I was the" chosen one" to adopt Ducky! Cassie accompanied me to UCD to happily pick up Ducky and bring him home. Ducky is now 14 years old, and a valued member of AARP!
Cassie, you constantly inspired me with your strength, passion, and fortitude. Your love for Christi, and then Jade, were truly heartfelt. I applauded your discipline in embracing a new lifestyle of diet, exercise and pickleball to reverse your renal numbers, and was in awe of your new physicality, ,, happiness and personal growth. You were my "Benjamin Button", growing more youthful and energetic, while the rest of us were aging. You were always supportive and loyal to your circle of friends, and I am so grateful for you "always having my back".
Cassie, I will miss you dearly and hold our shared memories close to my heart. I will miss our weekly talks, clips of Christi's heroic gym feats, your beautiful artwork, artistic meal preparations, and our on-going "eye rolls" of new Trump antics. 
Unfortunately Santorini was not possible for you due to Covid, but I now visualize you walking barefoot on the warm greek beach with Jade happily trotting by your side. I love you to the moon and back.

Vicki

Travel

November 16, 2020
Cassie loved to travel, but didn’t like having to travel alone so often. Recently, she wanted my advice on great US locations, because she had some trepidation about traveling alone abroad. Over the years, she enjoyed hearing about my travel & experiences with my hubby of 28 years. But our absolute FAVORITE place is Half Moon Bay. My husband and I went there originally 29 years ago because it was Cas’s recommendation!!!We even stayed in the bed & breakfast she recommended. Recently I shared an East Coast favorite of ours- Avalon New Jersey. She was planning a trip post Covid. I’ll always love to you Cas. I’ll always love our friendship.❤️

Cas loved Brandon Leake

November 15, 2020
Cassie sent me this message just a few weeks ago. She was so moved by him:
"This is his first performance...a tribute to his sister.  If/when you have the time, google AGT 2020 Brandon Leake and you should be able to see all of his performances.  This man is so amazing.  He is what we need right now...he is so gifted and talented and I hope/pray his word will really get out there and resonate with people for we have a lot to learn from him.  On this first performance, make sure you listen to the judges comments which come after some ads."

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