Cassidy Jean Charette

OAKLAND - Cassidy Jean Charette, a beautiful and vibrant young woman, both inside and out, lost her life tragically too soon on Saturday, October 11, 2014, at the promising age of 17. She left her mark on this world, simply by being herself. It was her smile that everyone noticed first and will remember most. Cass was passionate about her family and friends, her faith, and a constant desire to help others. Truly one-of-a-kind. She is now an angel, embracing and guiding all who loved her.

Born August 31, 1997 in Waterville to her exceptionally proud parents, Randy Charette and Monica Wilcox Charette, Cassidy changed the world with her presence. As a child she loved reading, birthday parties, dancing, dress- up and snuggling. Cass attended Mount Merici School until grade 6, where she embodied the Ursuline Tradition of service to others. At her Mount Merici graduation she received the Ursuline’s Service Award, Highest Academic Achievement Award and recognition for never missing a day of school. She loved to learn. It was here that she made her lifelong, loyal friends, who she kept close to her heart. Cass treasured these relationships. She attended Messalonskee Middle School and was a junior at Messalonskee High School at the time of her passing.

She loved her best friend and little brother, Colby, whom she fondly referred to as “Bler.” The two had a unique bond, always turning to each other for advice and support. They went out to breakfast or ice cream together almost weekly. Cassidy will always be with him. She was also crazy in love with her rescued cocker spaniel, Dante, who will miss her daily attention.

Cass was an excellent student with high expectations of herself. She was ranked first in her class of 224 students, taking rigorous Advance Placement courses as a sophomore and junior. She thrived in the academic environment and welcomed challenges. Cass was a leader among her peers and exemplified true character in the way she lived her life. She loved soccer, from her first game at age 5, coached by her Dad. She played Novas travel soccer and was a graceful and game-changing center midfielder on the MHS Varsity teams the last three years. Her teammates will continue to feel her presence at every game. But it has been on the field with her Central Maine United Premier Soccer team where she developed skill and passion for the game and a sisterly bond with her teammates. She loved all of you. Never forget.

“The Cassinator” was a three-sport athlete, giving nothing short of her best to soccer, indoor track and lacrosse. Christmas was her favorite holiday and her grandparents camp at Portage Lake was her peaceful place. She enjoyed swimming in her pool, snow skiing and conquering everyone in badminton. In a teenage world, she didn’t care much about social media, loved face-to-face conversations and always hand wrote thank you notes. Blue was her favorite color, Skittles her favorite candy, and she enjoyed ice cream almost daily. “Life is short. Eat dessert first” she would say.

She was a friend to everyone because of the kindness and compassion she offered so effortlessly. Cassidy was an altar server at Mount Merici and at St. Theresa’s Church, and loved her weekly service work at the local soup kitchen and senior center in sixth grade. She more recently walked dogs at the Waterville Humane Society with her brother, was a certified soccer referee, math tutor for students, and in the last year, a devoted volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine. Cass wanted to help change the life of a child, and was two weeks shy of meeting her first “Little Sister.” A tragedy for a deserving young girl.

Cassidy will forever be deeply loved, missed and remembered by her family, who feel so incredibly blessed to have had such an amazing person in their lives. She is predeceased by her Grampie, Dwight Wilcox, whom she adored and is now with, in Heaven. Cassidy Jean is survived by her parents, Monica and Randy, who will celebrate her life and honor her memory forever; her brother and soul mate, Colby; her nurturing maternal grandmother and middle name sake, Gloria Jean Wilcox of Mapleton; her adoring paternal grandparents Memmere and Peppere Joyce and Pierre Charette of Presque Isle; Aunt Shelly, Michelle Wilcox Ewing and her husband, Neil of Presque Isle; Uncle Mark Wilcox and his wife, Kim of Mapleton; Uncle Peter Charette and his wife Torrie of Presque Isle; Aunt Lisa Charette and her partner Roger of Saco; and Uncle Timmy Charette and his partner Christine of Crouseville. Cassidy treasured the time she had with her cousins: Jay and Desiree Luzzi, Kacey and Karson Wilcox, Anthony and Addyson Luzzi, Devin Charette, Riley and Meagan Charette and Catherine Henair.

The family wishes to thank her classmates, friends and strangers, for the overwhelming community support they have received, and whose love and compassion have helped lift spirits and offer hope for healing. Life should never be taken for granted. Hug your children every day, like it was the last.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 17, at Thomas College Gymnasium, 180 West River Road in Waterville, where Cassidy’s family and friends will celebrate her life. A Catholic Mass for Cassidy will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, at Notre Dame Church, 112 Silver Street in Waterville.

Donations in Cassidy Charette’s name may be made to Mount Merici Academy, 152 Western Avenue, Waterville, ME 04901, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, 126 North Street, Waterville, ME 04901 or to The Cassidy J. Charette Memorial Scholarship at Messalonskee High School.