OBITUARY: Kitty M. Cassis

Kitty M. Cassis, 55, of Longboat Key and formerly of Cincinnati and New Orleans, died Thursday, Feb. 3.

Born July 16, 1955, in Birmingham, Ala., she began her 25-year commercial real estate career at Stirling Properties Inc. in New Orleans. She moved to Cincinnati, where she continued her working relationship with retailers, including Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Hobby Lobby and many small shops and shopping center developments.

She later semi-retired and moved to Longboat Key, but semi-retirement did not last long: She formed Cass-3 Investment Group, continuing her commercial real estate work in Ohio and Kentucky, and also became a franchisee of Great Clips Inc., with multiple stores in Sarasota, Venice and Nokomis.

Mrs. Cassis is remembered as the consummate southern woman who remained cordial even during the toughest business negotiations and was respectful to all. She is also remembered for her ability to make people feel comfortable and enjoy life and for her love of being a wife and mother.

Mrs. Cassis was preceded in death by her father, Fred Mooney. She is survived by her husband, Mark; daughter, Kiley, of Longboat Key; mother, Pearline Mooney, of Birmingham; brother, Lynn, of Birmingham; and many family members.

A ceremony to honor Mrs. Cassis’ life will take place at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 12, at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road. Burial will follow at Palms Memorial Park in Sarasota.

Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, c/o Dick Vitale Inc., 7810 Mathern Court, Bradenton, Fla. 34202, or the Kitty M. Cassis Memorial Fund, The Out-of-Door Academy, 444 Reid St., Sarasota, Fla. 34242.

Toale Brothers Funeral Homes is responsible for arrangements.