Lou Ella Kaskey

Lou Ella Kaskey (age 73), of Alexandria, Virginia, was born on September 18, 1952, in Washington, D.C., the youngest of ten children of the late Ray E. Sr. and Ethel Berry. She passed away peacefully at her home on October 7, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer.

She is survived by her three children: daughters Jennifer Yanez (Greg Roberts) and Jessica Yanez, and son Jesus Yanez. She also leaves behind her beloved granddaughter, Bianca Yanez (Simon Conrad), stepdaughter Sherry Piercy (Robert); step-granddaughter, Parker Krasny and three brothers: Ray E. Berry Jr., Rollin Berry (Lisa), and Michael Berry (Sarah).

Lou Ella was preceded in death by her first husband, Jesus Q. Yanez, on January 10, 2023, and by her second husband, Mark C. Kaskey, on October 4, 2021, as well as four sisters: Ethel Jaimedes, Mildred Simpson, Patricia Milstead, and Lois Cook; and by two brothers, John Berry and Thomas Berry.

She retired from the federal government after over 25 years of service at HUD where she was formerly responsible for audit and information technology activities. Many of her long-term friendships were formed during her time at HUD.

Lou Ella will be remembered not only for her strength and devotion to her family, but also for the joy and warmth she brought into every room. She loved to dance (oh how she loved to dance!) and her vibrant spirit was contagious. She enjoyed golfing and gardening – two passions she enjoyed alongside Mark. She had a true heart for helping others and was always willing to lend a hand, listen with compassion, or offer kind words. Her kindness was unmatched — she was one of the most caring, generous souls we’ve ever known.

Her light lives on in those she loved, and she will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.