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Celestial Cassman Obituary
Celestial Summer Dove Cassman, 35, beloved daughter, sister, grand-daughter, niece, auntie, friend, colleague, artist and philanthropist, died unexpectedly while vacationing in Hawaii on the island of Maui on September 1, 2011.
Celestial Summer Dove was born on June 15, 1976 into the loving arms of her parents in Nanakuli, Hawaii. She spent her formative years growing up in Lake County, CA. She graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1994 and attended UC Santa Cruz, graduating with honors in political science. She took some time to travel after college, exploring a large portion of South America and then moved to Portland, Oregon where she worked for a nonprofit affordable housing and community building organization. She decided to become an attorney, studied hard to take entrance exams, and then selected the UC Davis law school. During law school, Celestial completed a public interest fellowship where she assisted indigent clients with housing, benefits, and employment issues. She also worked as a teaching assistant, and served as co-chair of a nonprofit legal foundation. She graduated in the top 5% of her class and began her professional career at McDonough Holland & Allen law firm in Sacramento in 2004. She ultimately followed her dream to be near the coast and moved to Santa Cruz in 2007.
Until her tragic and untimely death, Celestial enjoyed life and her career in Public Law, working for the law firm Atchison, Barisone, Condotti and Kovacevich, as Deputy City Attorney for the coastal cities of Santa Cruz, Capitola and Half Moon Bay, California.
Celestial served on the Board of Directors and volunteered many hours to Court Appointed Special Advocates [CASA] of Santa Cruz County, which supports abused and neglected children.
Celestial, or "Dove", as family call her, enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends. She appreciated the beauty of nature and especially loved the beach. Some of her favorite pastimes included cooking, yoga, walking on the beach, riding her bike, learning to surf and paddle board, writing, drawing and creating art. Dove especially enjoyed creating and making thoughtful, hand-made gifts for loved ones.
She could often be seen pedaling her bicycle or riding her pink motor scooter to work, complete with high heels, business suit and a flower in her hair. Dove was so very special, had a passion for life and was a joy to be around. She loved animals and cared sweetly for her two cats.
Celestial Summer Dove is survived by her mother, Deborah Bevington & Alex Newfield, Sr. of Lake County, CA, and father, Ken Cassman & Susan Cassman of Oceanside, CA. She is also survived by her devoted sisters Crystal, Charity, Shawnee, Jessica and Marissa, as well as her grandparents Mary Ellen & Alan Cassman of Los Angeles. Additionally, she is survived by her Aunts and Uncles; Joan & Michael and Ted & Beth of the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as her adoring nephews and niece; Jon, Josh and Ali and her cousins; Jason, Cole, Julia, Tim, Danny and Jake. We will miss her dearly.
A memorial service will be held on September 24, 2011 at 3:00 pm at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz, by the ocean she loved. A memorial webpage can be found at www.ilasting.com/celestialdovecassman.php
Flowers may be delivered to the Surfing Museum at Lighthouse Point at 701 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz 95060, on the 24th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Celestial Dove Cassman's name to CASA, 813 Freedom Boulevard, Watsonville, CA 95076 or at www.casaofsantacruz.org
A beautiful soul is never forgotten. Where there are happy memories, there will always be love. We will mourn the loss of such an amazing, bright, loving and generous human being. Her precious light will endure through the good she did in life and all who loved her. We will never forget Dove.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Celestial Cassman
Manya Day
September 7, 2012
You are all in my thoughts...Dove's smile and warmth are forever with us.
Angela Goble
September 4, 2012
Cannot believe it has been over a year since we lost Celestial. I miss you terribly my friend.
Harmony
October 5, 2011
Your name was well chosen… Celestial Summer Dove Cassman will not soon be forgotten. Her imprint has forever been impressed upon those of us who were honored and blessed enough to work alongside her; of whom I am least. Nevertheless, today a beautiful young woman that once walked upon the earth now strolls on streets of gold.
Johanna Burger
October 4, 2011
You have been on my mind since I got word of your passing. I’m having a hard time understanding why this happened but…..I will always cherish our terrific times together and you will never be forgotten. When I think of you I think of Algebra one and the way you wrote your number 2’s. Not with a loop but a cute little wave. I think of pink, your gold Honda, our trip to Ft. Bragg and San Francisco. All us girls purchased matching hats with flowers. I think of how much I hated chemistry and you telling me if I was your secret pal that you wanted a molecule set. You always did so well in academics. Our open 7th period coffee breaks and the four of us in Sacramento testifying on behalf of our friend. I remember standing in your cute black and pink bedroom when you told me you wanted to be a judge. I remember the first time we hung out and saw the movie Chucky. I remember your birthday party when all us girls (probably 10 of us) rode all the way across town to see the boys. I loved your humor, wit and mischievousness. You were always kind to others and the one who got all us girls to put in money so we could buy a classmate a yearbook that she herself couldn’t afford. History day in Sacramento…..room 747! Ohhh and your jeans with safety pins all the way down the sides. These memories bring comfort but I still wish you were here so we could make more. In your honor I will do my best to not sweat the small stuff and wear a flower in my hair whenever possible. Life is too short. Let’s all just enjoy and be nice to others. Rest in peace Dove.
Jeanne Swartz
October 3, 2011
Ken, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and Susan. My prayers will be for you during these difficult times. Jeanne Swartz
Bert Lindley
September 26, 2011
I chauffered Celestial's mother, family and friends for her memorial service and wanted to express my heartfelt condolences for the loss of a wondrous individual who was clearly loved by all that came to know her. I was deeply moved by the thoughts and emotions expressed by the few speakers I was able to hear between shuttling loved ones from and back to her apartment overlooking the Pacific upon which her ashes were scattered. I did not know her, but I love her memory and will always remember who she was to the ones closest to her.
Lori
September 20, 2011
To my dear, dear friend and sister of the heart. I will miss you beyond words. When I am sad and missing you, I will think of big Hello Kitty pillows, super girl underwear, and silly socks. I will think of your smile and love for life, your generous heart and fun-loving attitude. Because of you, life has been and will continue to be better and brighter. I know that you are at peace now, with a flower in your hair and a smile on your face. I love you and will see you again someday.
To Dove's family and friends, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers always.
Much love,
Lori
shirley wetzel
September 19, 2011
my deepest sympathy to the ohana of dovey. red and i were her first babysitter at puamana. would love to hear from debbie if i can help in anyway. aloha no, shirley a. wetzel honolulu, hi
September 19, 2011
This guest book has been provided by the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Celestial Cassman's family has also posted a memorial guest book here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/santacruzsentinel/obituary.aspx?n=celestial-summer-dove-cassman&pid=153659970
September 17, 2011
my deepest sympathy goes out to the family of celestial. always remember her smile and love cause that will help ease the pain through this tough time. much love and aloha to the family and friends.
Naomi Wheelan
September 17, 2011
The world has lost a remarkable beautiful young lady. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family. RIP Dove
Deb W
September 16, 2011
Celestial, known to some by the charming nickname Dove, sounds like such a lovely, interesting,vibrant person. May the love her friends and family share for her and for one another carry you all through your grief.
teri ige
September 16, 2011
My utmost deepest condolences to your family & friends..May the good Lord place his hands upon all of you and bless you with peace and comfort in your time of grief. My heart & prayers are with you all...Aloha
Sharon Sausa
September 16, 2011
Our deepest condolences to the family. RIP Celestial.
Rene Lyden
September 16, 2011
Aloha, ahui ho...godspeed
Leola Lapides
September 16, 2011
My deepest condolences go out to Celestial’s family and close friends for their unimaginable loss. As a fellow C.A.S.A. board member, I can tell you that this is a huge loss for the children of our community, as well. She contributed so much, and had so much yet to do. On a personal note, I will miss her walking into a room, dressed in impeccable style, and lighting it up with her beautiful smile.
Charley Lochtefeld
September 16, 2011
She will never grow old. She will never be sick. She will always be beautiful, she will always be loved and she will continue to help those she left behind to become better people. No one can take that away, ever.
Josh M
September 13, 2011
I miss her ridiculously, such a tremendous impact that soul had upon my life. To witness a symphony coalesce out of particulates of sand is to openly understand the impact of this women into the lives of her family and friends. We miss and love you until the depths of infinity have been crushed under their own weight.
Nancy Woods
September 13, 2011
Dove was a delightful, wonderful, happy, sunny, bright beautiful and best friend to my daughter, Robyn.
She rolled with the punches. It brings a smile to my face how she handled the fact that her lovely green dyed shoes were not where they were supposed to be when she was going to walk down the aisle as the maid of honor at my daughters wedding in June. With a lovely smile on her face and flip flops on her feet she went down the aisle. No one even noticed the flip flops..all we could focus on was her lovely smile..I didn't even know until she told me with a laugh after the cermony was over. That's our girl..said with a smile and a lump in my throat.
Peggy Daniels
September 13, 2011
To the Cassman family and Celestial's office family & friends, may God's Grace be with you. Peace and blessings.
Jaclyn Beauseau-Ellis
September 13, 2011
Dove and I were the same age....our older sisters were friends growing up and as deeply as I've grieved this loss, I'm sure my sadness pales in comparison to that of her family and close friends. You'll all be in my thoughts and prayers for a long time to come.
Mark
September 13, 2011
I have no words except Im sorry.
Rita Weeks
September 13, 2011
To the Cassman family, our thoughts are with you as you move forward and remember your daughter, sister and great friend.
Jessica Keith-Romero
September 12, 2011
I knew Celestial when we worked at MHA in Sacramento. She was a delightful person and very kind to me. My deepest condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.
Jessica Torrion
September 12, 2011
I have not met Dove in person. We are at the same age of bright future ahead and deserving of all good things. Working with her immediate family and meeting her siblings, Dove is one great person I would love to know. Since these past days upon learning what happened, my everyday thoughts, my heart, and my prayers belong to her family. Ken, I wish I could take away your grief for even just a day.
Heike
September 11, 2011
So very sorry for your loss. May you find God's comfort in this time of unspeakable grief.
Hilary Huyck
September 10, 2011
Dove was to me "the girl with love in her eyes and flowers in her hair." I will always have a place in my heart for one of my best friends from college. She was a wonderful, loving, and giving person. She was one of the brightest lights I ever knew. My heart goes out to her family and all those who called her a friend. I will miss you Dove.
Ginaia
September 10, 2011
Celestial was such a shining light to encounter, professionally, philanthropically, and personally. I will miss her.
Robyn Woods-Adams
September 10, 2011
I loved you with all my heart you were my soul sister, confidant, life long friend, and maid of honor. You've always meant so much to me. Birds of a feather…
Merry Brook Kotte
September 9, 2011
Sweet Dove, we will always love you. My love and prayers to your family.
Kristen
September 9, 2011
RIP Celestial. You gave so much to helping others! You will never be forgotten. Your light will always shine in our community.
holly cole
September 9, 2011
Their are no words to describe the sadness we feel. Dove will always be loved, missed, and remembered.
Byron Broten
September 9, 2011
Rest in peace Celestial
Diane Rejman
September 8, 2011
She lived around the corner from me. I didn't know her, but I know the neighborhood has been affected by this sad, tragic loss. My condolences to all who knew her.
Steve Brookes
September 8, 2011
I met Celestial at a City Attorney confrence a few years back.She introduced herself and we talked about public law and who she grew up with in Lakeport where I am City Attorney. We also discovered we were both UCSC Slugs. A bright,beautiful energetic soul has left this world. RIP and condolences to her family and friends whom I am sure were many.
Julie S.
September 8, 2011
Celestial was a bright light in a dark world. Always smiling, always joyful. She will be missed. My condolences to her family and all who knew her.
Rob
September 8, 2011
Every once in a while we are lucky enough to meet a rare, shining star. Celestial's name truely fit her!
My deepest sympathies to the family.
silvia ponce_perez
September 8, 2011
You will be truly missed and always loved.My heart and my prayers goes out to all of her family and close friends who loved her. you will never be forgotten.
Ryan White
September 8, 2011
my heart is broken.I will never forget the way you made us all feel. LOVED.. See you on the other side.
Kimberly Walker
September 8, 2011
Celestial was a bright and beautiful presence and very sweet as my neighbor. I know she will be missed by so many and my heart goes out to all of you who knew her and loved her. She was kind, intelligent, and giving and I will always remember how she took my old cat in and gave him a wonderful haircut...A very sweet act of kindness. Peace to you Celestial.
Maureen Gambill
September 8, 2011
I did not know Dove very well, but I do know how much she is loved by her family. My whole heart goes out to all that have been affected by this terrible loss.
Kathleen Burnett
September 8, 2011
I miss your smile, and your cheese platters. You will always be loved, Dove. And everyday remembered.
Laurel Schonfield
September 8, 2011
I had the pleasure of working with your daughter on city issues. She was professional, outgoing and enjoyable to work with. We had quite a few laughs and I was so sadden when I heard the news. My thoughts are with your family.
Carol & Gil Siegel
September 7, 2011
Our daughter, Julie, & Celeste were roommates at UC Santa Cruz; our thoughts are with her parents & family at this very sad time.
Katrina Rogers
September 7, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Julie Walker
September 7, 2011
I went to school with Dove..She will be missed by many..
Teresa Landers
September 6, 2011
Celestial was always there to help with whatever crazy thing I threw at her.
She will be greatly missed by many. My condolences to the family.
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