Julia Catherine Cassell of MacArthur, WV departed this life Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at the home of her daughter in Alkol, WV surrounded by her loving children. She was in her 98th year.
Julia was born and raised in Green Island, NY, the daughter of the late Stefan and Mary Malciak Melicherik. The last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John J. Cassell, Sr.; son, John (Bud) Cassell, Jr.; infant daughter, Frances; grandson, Brian Hopkins; granddaughter, Margaret Vickers; great-grandson, Thomas F. Vickers III; great granddaughters, Lilly Rhode and Samantha Workman; sisters, Mary Speron, Anna Taulty, Eva Bohn, Irene Aquirre; brothers, Stephen and Joseph Melicherik.
Mrs. Cassell was a nurse, who retired from Pinecrest State Hospital. She worked preciously at Beckly Hospital, Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital, Raleigh General Hospital and had worked as a private duty nurse. She enjoyed crocheting, had made many Afghans for most of all her children and grandchildren. A terrific cook, she enjoyed preparing Sunday dinner for all her family. She would always greet her family and visitors with a big hug and a smile, “Honey, you must be hungry! What would you like to eat?” Her family specials included homemade bread, cabbage rolls, fried chicken and homemade noodles followed by fried pineapple pies or cinnamon rolls. She enjoyed singing. A Roman Catholic, she began each morning and ended each night with a prayer. Julia is survived by 135 direct decendants.
She leaves behind her children: Virginia (Ginny) Vickers Adkins of Alkol; Irene Rorrer Cantley & husband, John Floyd of Beckley; Patty Hall and husband, John of Columbus, OH; Larry
Cassell and wife, Carol of Strongsville, OH; Judith Cassell of Cleveland, OH; Antoinette Hatcher, husband, Ron of Shady Spring; Julia Catherine Blair & husband, James Sr., of Brunswick, OH;
& Susan Matheny of Beckley.
Julia was a loving, unselfish and caring Mother and grandmother who always put her children first. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
The funeral liturgy will be celebrated Saturday at 11:00 am at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with Fr. Samuel Sacus as celebrant. The Rite of Committal will follow in the Highlawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill. Visitation and tribute to our precious Mother will be from 6 to 10 pm today at the Melton Mortuary Chapel. 1200 Harper Road, Beckley, WV 25801.