Lasting Memories

Phyllis Clorinda Cassel
June 13, 1941-Aug. 14, 2018
Palo Alto, California

Phyllis C. Cassel, who was known for her leadership roles on the City of Palo Alto Planning and Transportation Commission, League of Women Voters, Stevenson House Board of Directors and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto, died Aug. 14, 2018 at home in Palo Alto at the age of 77. She will be remembered for her willingness to care for others, whether family members, friends or communities in need. Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern, her parish minister, commented: "Beyond any role, Phyllis has been one of those moral exemplars who are truly the pillars of a congregation."

Born June 13, 1941 in Lowell, Massachusetts to Thomas and Clorinda Banks, she graduated from Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing with a nursing degree (RN) and from Rutgers University with a bachelor's degree in community development. She has managed and coordinated family planning programs, worked on fair housing issues and been a charge nurse on an acute care medical unit.

Phyllis leaves her husband of 54 years, Richard Cassel; children Christopher Cassel of Boston, Diana Eppstein of Irvine, and Charles (Chaz) Cassel of Santa Clara, and their spouses; grandchildren Sara and Timothy Eppstein and Charles Cassel; and sisters Beth Banks and Cynthia Blake.