Sydney Lauren Cassel

Sydney Lauren Cassel, 29, died peacefully on March 21 surrounded by her family after a long illness. Sydney was the daughter of Richard and Karen (Kaiser) Cassel, loving sister to Melissa (Mel) Cassel and Mel's fiancee, Johannah Walker; and adored granddaughter of her late grandparents, Lionel and Eleanor Kaiser and Dr. Melvin and Laura Mae Cassel.

Everyone who knew Syd knew her brilliance, kindness, and loyalty. Her keen intellect fueled her interest in medicine and led her to the University of California-Davis, where she graduated with high honors in Nutrition Sciences and Public Health. When the pandemic hit, her passion for healthcare merged with her kindness and generosity, leading her to put life on pause while she worked full time at a COVID testing and vaccination site for two years. Her co-workers soon became friends, often driving to Calabasas to spend even more time with Sydney.

Sydney was an avid runner. Neighbors saw an eight-year-old Syd lapping the block at all hours, preparing for her next meet. Coaches recognized her talent, recruiting Sydney as one of few freshmen on the Varsity Track & Field Team. Teammates likewise recognized her warmth, making the Cassel home the gathering place for mid-practice breaks and appointing Syd as team captain for her junior and senior years.

Those who knew Syd best loved her sharp wit, disarming smile, and spunky socks. Never afraid to tell it like it was, Syd pressed others to be honest about life's difficulties and to not shy away from a tough conversation.

Syd prized her relationship with her sister, Mel, and planned to be her maid of honor at Mel and Johannah's wedding this fall. Mel and Syd had the sort of relationship that most sisters aspire to; best friends through all phases of life.

Syd's years' long battle with illness did not dampen her resolve. Rather, she joined the EPIC (Empowering People With Invisible Chronic Illness) Foundation, dedicating much of her recent years to spreading awareness for rare and unseen illnesses. Here is a video of Syd talking about what EPIC meant to her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UR5Gu9jVHbY. Contributions in Syd's memory can be made to the EPIC Foundation at https://epictogether.org/join-us-or-donate/.

Syd's funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. CT on Tuesday March 26 at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Boulevard, followed by interment at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road, Chesterfield, MO.