Obituary of Cassi Leona Reichel

A caring mother, loving grandmother, sister, and friend, Cassi Leona Reichel left this world on September 11th at the young age of 61 after losing her battle with cancer. She was surrounded with love by her sister, two sons and her father via the telephone and gently passed from this life. 

There are some people that you don't forget and my dear sweet sassy Cassi, we will always remember you. We will remember you as always laughing, fiercely loyal, and always up for an adventure or activity.

Cassi lived life fully and very little got under her skin. She loved spending time with her boys at the river, friends by the pool, playing video poker or crafting. Whatever she was up to, she always shared. From the jam she canned with Kristin, to the string art she made with Lisa, to the beautiful agates she collected with her sons and even the tuna more precious than gold, from her brother. Her gifts made you feel special. Cassi even shared her poker winnings. She would show up at my door and say, “Let’s go shopping.”

With an infectious laugh and generous smile Cassi was a good friend to many with an inner light that drew people to her. She loved everyone, and everyone loved her, it was impossible not to. Cassi made friends easily and brought new friends into her fold with great pride and joy because she wanted you to love them too. She often used to say, “I introduced them” or ‘You know each other because of me” and it was true just ask one of her oldest friends Dina.

Cassi was proud of her Tigard roots dating back over 100 years and her ashes will be interred with her mother here in Tigard as she requested. With a list of those who mourn her death in the hundreds, Cassi is survived by her father David Reichel (Laurie), her sons Nathan (Talina) Crane and Joel (Hillary) Crane, grandson Ryder Crane, daughter Jennifer Koch, siblings Julie Steffens, Jim Reichel, Lorie Sitze and Nicki Reichel, her beloved dog Bailey and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family welcomes all who knew Cassi to join them for her Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 1st, 11am at Metzger Park, located at 8400 SW Hemlock St, Portland, OR 97223. Cassi loved going out to breakfast and we will be serving her favorite Biscuits and Gravy. At that time, we will be collecting donations for her end-of-life expenses.

"You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on."

-David Harkins