Kassie Sadler Spector

1961 - 2018

Kassie Sadler Spector

Santa Monica, CA - (1961-2018)

Kassie Sadler Spector went to her home in heaven on May 25th, 2018, two days after her 57th birthday and following a courageous four-year battle with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. She passed peacefully in her home in Santa Monica, CA surrounded by her family. During her final days, she was made comfortable and loved upon, with her family sharing stories, playing songs that she loved, and whispering heartfelt goodbyes to her.

Kassie was born on May 23, 1961 in Mesa, Arizona. She spent her childhood years in Moline, Illinois, where she was very active, participating in track and cheerleading. Growing up, she loved the beach, fishing and boating with her family, and skiing with her brother and sister. After graduating from Moline High School, she left home to attend college at Arizona State University. She rooted herself in Scottsdale, Arizona where her career spanned retail, interior decorating and serving as a realtor. She became well known in the community for her two intimate apparel boutiques named Kassie's, located at the prestigious Borgata and Biltmore Fashion Park retail centers. More recently, she had embarked upon her own women's clothing design and manufacturing business called "Love Loungewear". But her greatest pride and joy during her Arizona years came from raising her beautiful daughter, Ashley, and actively participating in all of Ashley's activities - from dance, to pom, to college and to her move to Los Angeles, CA.

In the summer of 2014, Kassie was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, and she moved to the Santa Monica area for a treatment program and to be near her daughter. She had met her husband, Al Spector, earlier that year, and they were ultimately married on May 9, 2015 and made a home together there. Kassie's last four years in Santa Monica were a very happy time for her, as she was able to retire and focus on her health, enjoy a magical marriage, live right next door to her precious daughter and son-in-law and partake of all the things the area had to offer. A very special part of this season was the planning of her daughter's summer 2016 surprise engagement party, followed by two beautiful bridal showers and other related events, and a fairytale wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in November of 2017. Though she had early signs of failing by then, she was absolutely radiant and filled with complete joy as she so proudly walked her daughter and best friend down the aisle to the song "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles. She remained extraordinarily positive during her entire time in Santa Monica, remaining hopeful at all times and with every intention of defeating her illness, even right up until her final weeks.

Kassie will be remembered for so many things. She was a kind, loving, thoughtful, giving person and was even more beautiful inside than out. She always had a sunny and cheerful disposition reflected in butterflies, angels and flowers. She loved to celebrate others by planning special events and giving gifts. Kassie was always healthy in mind, body and spirit. She loved to travel and enjoyed dining out with family and friends. She especially loved fine wine, dancing and simply spending time with her husband, Al. Recently, she had begun enjoying her new hobby of painting.

Kassie showed love and respect to everyone from her childhood through adulthood. She had many friends wherever she lived - from those in her Quad Cities hometown, to Arizona, to her new home in Southern California and beyond. She was always trying to assist anyone in need of help. Her kindness, nurture and care were also reflected in animals, most recently with her two cats, Rey and Mercy. Kassie took care of others throughout her life and continued to do so through her last days with us, always selfless and putting others needs before her own. Even with an increasingly bothersome illness, she never complained about anything. She did not want to burden her loved ones with the sadness of her illness and likely passing but wanted them to focus on the vibrancy of her life. She retained her joyful and positive spirit until the end.

Kassie is survived by her husband, Al Spector; her daughter and son-in-law, Ashley Ciatu Lipson and Drew Lipson; her parents, Jack and Theresa Sadler; her brother and his wife, Mark and Michele Sadler; her sister, Patricia (Trish) Wheeler; her brother-in-law, Brad Wheeler; five stepchildren and their spouses; Richard Spector and Kristi Cornett, Brian and Abby Spector, Dina and Ramon Gomez, Kris Spector, and Sabrina and David Fulton; nieces and nephews Shea, Bryce, Carson and Brodi Sadler and Cheyenne, Savannah, Sheridan, Brennan and Bannack Wheeler; and Al's ten grandchildren. Infant brother and sister twins precede her in death.

Kassie loved immensely and was immensely loved. She fully embraced life and will continue to serve as an inspiration to all of us. She will be deeply missed by her family and the many other people she touched in her life. But she will live on in our hearts through the many happy, joyful memories she left us all with.

Kassie's family would be honored if you joined them by attending a memorial service and celebration of Kassie's life to be held at the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona on Sunday, June 10th at 3:00 pm. Please check her Facebook page for additional information. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in her name to the Verde Valley Sanctuary which offers a safe haven for people dealing with domestic issues. http://www.verdevalleysanctuary.org/