To Mrs. Cassiday's Family, I'm sorry for your loss. WDhen your parents were at Purdue back in the early 60's, Mrs. Cassiday was our English teach at Otterbein High School.  She also directed our Junior and Senior plays.  I teased her a few years back about her firey temper and slamming her clipboard down, "Smack" on the stage edge.  She was quite a lady, and now she's reunited with the love of her life, Dale!
John Arvidson

Although life has taken me far from Brown County, there is a special place in my heart for the people who had the greatest impact on my life.  Jan Cassiday was one of those people (Dale was another).  I had the great fortune to be a student in several of Jan’s English classes and her enthusiasm for literature, writing and theater was infectious. I was a science geek, but Jan pulled me into the theater, which was truly the best part of my high school experience. Jan taught me to read and think critically, but my best memories are of her laughter, boundless energy during play practice and flocked Christmas trees.  Jan truly lived life to the fullest and I will always be thankful I was able to share a few moments with her.  

When you create accounts on some websites, they'll occasionally ask you to pick security questions in addition to setting a password. "What was your first car?" or "What was your childhood pet's name?" Questions like that. Another I have encountered a few times is "Who was your favorite high school teacher?" And, while I probably shouldn't compromise my own online security, I think you can guess my answer.

I'm not sure where to start with memories of Mrs. C. I don't even recall first meeting the Cassidays. Janice and Dale were a presence in my life (through the Methodist Church) way before I ever sat in one of her classes. It's amazing how often I still have experiences in life that have been directly impacted by Janice Cassiday: "Phantom of the Opera' is coming to town. I actually saw it on Broadway on a high school trip..." "Shakespeare in the park is doing 'Taming of the Shrew.' I was in that one!" "Of course I know that song. It's from 'Fiddler on the Roof'/'Joseph'/'Music Man'/etc." "Let's go hike in Will Rogers State Park. I did a History Day play about him in high school." And on and on, probably more often than I even realize. I wish I could be there to celebrate her life along with the countless others she impacted. Of course, if I could be there, I would probably start to give a speech and then promptly forget my lines, just like I did in every high school performance. 

-Glenn Birkemeier, BCHS '94
North Hollywood, California

One more Cassiday anecdote:
When I was 15 or 16, I played a few different background characters in the B.C. Community Theater's production of "Fiddler on the Roof." After the song "Drink! L'Chaim! To Life!" everyone on stage raised a toast with a shot glass full of water. However, on closing night, someone (presumably someone named Dale, acting with Janice the Director's approval) switched out the water as a prank on the cast. I remember coughing after I drank mine. It was the first time I had ever tried vodka. L'Chaim! 

I was very sad to hear about Mrs. Cassiday's recent passing.  We spent quite a bit of time together during my BCHS days (in English classes, plays, Thespians, & during my first trip to France in 1976 [when she & Mr. Cassiday were 2 of the chaperones]). I'm glad that I got to see her a few times again and talk to her a couple of years ago when she and my dad (Bernard Brand) were both in the Brown County Health & Living Community in Nashville -- she still had the big smile & cheerful demeanor that I'll always remember about her!  Wishing her family much strength during this sad & difficult time.


Janice & Dale were always a hoot to be with. I will especially miss their theatrical and comedic talents.
Andy Szakaly

I often think of Mrs. Cassiday with fondness.  Her passion for teaching was so intense it could be intimidating at times. I was so frightened to speak in front of people I refused to give a speech in her 9th Grade Academic English class.  She warned me she would have no choice but to fail me for the semester.  She did. The next semester I did well, we didn’t have to give a speech.  The following year I received my 10th grade schedule and found I was placed in Developmental 10th grade English.  I begged the guidance counselor to allow me to remain in Academic English.  My brother had me convinced no college would look at me if I didn’t remain in the highest English classes. He finally acquiesced with the proviso I get the approval of Mrs. Cassiday.  To my surprise she was supportive of me advancing to Academic English 10, IF I retook her 9th Grade class and promised to be the first to give my speech.  I had two English classes in the first semester of my sophomore year.  I gave my speech, the smile on her face was priceless, my words poetic. Honestly, I was so scared I could barely remember my name; somehow I made it through without passing out.  During the critique many students said I did a wonderful job in many aspects.  “Of course he did, he should have, he had me as a teacher last year”.   She was confident if students listened to her, success would assuredly follow.  I will always be grateful for her guidance, wisdom and enthusiasm.  Her legacy will continue in the minds and hearts of all she touched through her many years of teaching.  I am most sorrowful there will be many more people in Brown County with “broken sounders”  running around without Janice there to help fix them.   With loving respect Butch Martin class of '83

OBITUARY

Janice Joy Cassiday

21 July, 1935 – 15 April, 2019

Bond-Mitchell Funeral Home

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