Juanita J. Casstevens

At the age of 94, Juanita (Nita) J. Casstevens passed from this world on June 21, 2020. She is remembered lovingly by her daughter Christi (David) Strieter, her grandchildren Kevin Becker and Amy (Nina) Aust, her niece Barbara (Babs) Johnson and her nephew, Houston Johnson. Nita was born in Lynchburg, Virginia where she lived until moving to Cleveland, Ohio in the early 1950’s. She was a woman of great passion and fought for the people and causes she loved. She had a heart for the welfare of children and animals, that she passed down to her family.  She was a pioneer in the battered women’s movement in Cleveland as a volunteer and then staff member of WomenSpace, a nonprofit coalition which addressed issues affecting women and families, including a battered women’s hotline and a shelter for victims of domestic violence. She loved music, especially big bands and standards, and live performance, both musical theater and concerts. She loved to garden, and her yard was featured on the cover of a Cleveland area home magazine in the 1970’s. And then there was the dancing! When she graced the dance floor, the room would stop to watch. She competed in many ballroom competitions, even winning a Silver medal. She continued to dance into her 90’s. But her greatest passion was her grandchildren. From the moment they were born they were the light of her life. She spent hours and hours with them, sharing her love of animals, dance and music. She was at their games, performances, and life events. She invested in them emotionally and provided great financial support, even when it meant she went without. She loved adventures with them, and most especially the ones she “wasn’t supposed to encourage.” She believed in them, loved them unconditionally and was one of their greatest advocates and fans. Nita had an amazing smile that could light up a room. She possessed a wonderful balance of strength and gentleness, and of course her signature sass. She has touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed here on earth, although we rejoice knowing that she is dancing again, free from pain, in a brighter place. Nita’s family will receive friends on Friday, June 26th, from 5-7 pm at Ripepi Funeral Home, 5762 Pearl Road, Parma, OH with masks and social distancing. There will be a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the ASPCA.