Holly Ann Cassler

Holly Ann Cassler (age 49) passed away suddenly from natural causes on August 30th. Holly is survived by her former spouse and love of her life Jason Cassler; sons Elliot and Ian Cassler; mother Colleen O’Connor (Jim Triano); father John Thielk (Mouy); brothers John Morgan Thielk (Linda), Edward B Thielk, and Eang Thielk (Robin); sisters Katey Kirchner and Yok Thielk (Heidi); and nieces and nephews John MorganThielk Jr; Haley and Tommy Kirchner, and Michelle Thielk. Holly transitioned from teaching English at Warren Woods High School to becoming a project manager for Sorensen Gross. She was a loving and beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She preferred to be outdoors whenever possible and especially enjoyed creating extensive, beautiful gardens at her home and for her mom and close friends. She spent plenty of time boating on Lake St. Clair with her brother John and her father; she lived on the Clinton River and took off on a kayak kept in front of her house. She loved to travel all over the world and immerse herself in different cultures. During her career as a teacher, she touched countless minds and hearts, successfully motivating at-risk students, and was a mentor to many young people who needed direction and confidence. “Hurricane Holly” was a force of nature: strong, tremendously energetic, passionate, and vocal in expressing her opinions and beliefs. She was a bold and determined advocate for the oppressed, the poor, and the disenfranchised. Holly forever changed the landscape along her path, both literally and metaphorically. A celebration of life took place on September 10 in the chapel at A.H. Peters in Grosse Pointe Woods. Tributes and memories can be read as well as posted on her Legacy page at their website. Her family asks that anyone wishing to donate in Holly’s memory may send donations to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen,1820 Mt. Elliott, Detroit MI 48207 or Habitat for Humanity.