Joan Cassou

Joan W. Cassou Piedmont resident Joan W. Cassou, 74, died peacefully at her home on December 7th, after a year-long battle with cancer. Daughter of Elizabeth and Adolph Bleiler, older sister to Susan, Joan was born November 4th, 1936 in Oakland, California. Joan was a long time Oakland resident prior to moving to Piedmont in 1981. Joan graduated from Oakland High School, and later San Jose State University where she received her Business Degree and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. In 1958 she married Larry Cassou a marriage that would last 46 years till his passing in 2004. As a mother, Joan made sure her two sons were self sufficient, ready for the world, grounded and had the best educational opportunities. Joan was a member of the Claremont County Club since 1972, and in the past had long time membership with Junior League and Bellevue Club. She was an avid bridge player, who always played for fun, but loved to challenge herself with tournament play. She loved to read, do the daily S.F. Chronicle crossword puzzle, play cards, work in her garden, and remain very social with a broad list of friend. She also loved her trips to Carmel, and her yearly visit to Mexico. Friends and family have fond memories of their visits to the Boulder Creek Cabin where Joan's hospitality fostered fun and relaxation during the summer months. They also remember the many relaxed parties and gatherings she hosted at the Buckeye Avenue house in Oakland. She is survived by her sons Robbie Cassou and Larry Cassou Jr., grandsons Michael and Thomas Cassou, Brother-in-law Van Burkhart and Ray Ybarra, Sister-in-law Odette Ybarra, nephews Steve Parker, and Jake Burkhart, and nieces Elizabeth Burkhart and Lynn Parker-Peterson. A memorial service for friends and family will be held at the Claremont County Club from 12-2p.m. on January 9th 2011.