Imelda Maria Cassadas

Imelda Maria Cassadas passed away on June 20, 2015. She was 51. Imelda was born on December 6, 1963 to Natividad and Enedina (Figueroa) Loera. She was the first in her family to be born in the United States.

She was later destined to meet her Banning sweetheart Edward T. Cassadas, a young stud-muffin, at 14 and later married on November 15, 1986. Together they raised three children Eddie, Robert, and Alex in their home in Banning's upper eastside.

Imelda, or as her preschool students and co-workers best know her as "Mrs. Imelda," had a passion to teach children. Many children from various Banning and Cabazon preschools gravitated to her smile, laughter, and warmth that she brought to work with her every day. She was beautiful, talented, and lived her life to the fullest. She loved to be with her family and dance the night away to Selena and other classic old school songs.

Unfortunately, Imelda was later diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer that eventually spread throughout her body in which she fought tirelessly. She fought the good fight and never let her cancer get the best of her.

On Saturday, June 20, 2015, Imelda, surrounded by her loved ones in her Banning home, was reclaimed by Jesus to be with our father in Heaven.

She is survived by her husband Edward T. Cassadas, of Banning; three sons and their spouses, Edward A. Cassadas and wife Margarita, of Banning; Alex Cassadas and wife Aimee, of Banning; Robert Cassadas, of Banning; grandchildren Marissa Diaz, Eddie Cassadas; Anndreya Cassadas; three brothers, Joe Lorea and wife Brenda of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Art Lorea and wife Linda, of Banning; Louie Loera, of Banning; one sister, Marie Rodriguez and husband Ricky, of Banning.