JENNINGS — Hannah “Didi” Cade Cassidy was born on January 25, 1933, in Abbeville, Louisiana. She was one of six children born to her parents, Hannah O’Quinn Burks Cade and John Elliott Cade. Didi died on April 4, 2023. She grew up in Abbeville and had happy memories of time spent in Bancker and Forked Island, usually with her best friend, Flo and her cousin, William. She attended Mt. Carmel and graduated from Abbeville High in 1951. Didi received her B.A. degree in education from S.L.I.(ULL); master’s + 30 in education from McNeese University. Her post graduate studies were at Loyola, Tulane, and Centenary. Didi moved to Jennings in 1954 to teach at the newly built Jennings High School. She met and married Allen “Al” Cassidy, Sr in 1956. Together they had four children: Allen “Rusty” Cassidy, Jr., Michael Cade Cassidy (Jan), Ruth Spalding Cassidy (Ramona), and Elizabeth Cassidy Lapoint (Bennett). She and Al raised their children and opened their doors many times to those in need of a place to live. After Al’s death in 1971, this single mother of four young children went back to teaching full time. She had breakfast on the table for her family before heading out to teach each day and demanded that the family all sit down for dinner together each evening (hat’s off, elbows off the table and napkins in your lap). She was loved by many of her students and was always so proud to hear of their successes in life. Didi adored and enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Always a true southern lady, Didi was a firm believer in manners, education, hard work, independence, faith and family. She loved taking care of her yard and flower garden and was the only person we know who could work for hours in her yard and never get a spot on her white pants while make-up on her face looked freshly applied. Didi loved baking, reading, learning, traveling, crossword puzzles and gardening, but her greatest joy was her family. She will be remembered for her gracious energy, positive attitude, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome. She was active and held office in a variety of civic, educational and church related organizations where she truly enjoyed her many friendships. She attended annual state and national educational conventions, was past president of ADK, CDA Court Mother Cabrini organist, performed in Little Theatre and Block Off Broadway, was active in social, political and civic organizations. Until recently, Didi remained active in the Tuesday Rosary group and Revelers; two groups who were very special to her. Didi was an eternal caregiver, who had a deep love for people, animals, travel and any activity that kept her mentally and physically on the go.
Hannah “Didi” Cassidy is survived by her four children, her grandchildren: Stacey Naquin (Andy), Allen “Al” Cassidy III (Kristen), Elliott Cassidy (Kelli), Andrew Cassidy (Kristin), Emily Barthelemy (Jeffrey), George Silvertooth (Amanda), Charles Cassidy (Kristi) and Catherine Lapoint (Cole). She is also survived by her ten great grandchildren: Laura, Karen, Ellen, Lucas, Hannah, Barbara, Connor, Jack, Suzanne, Jonah and her three bonus great grandchildren Jacob, Kennedy and Lindsey. Additionally, she is survived by her brother, John Cade (Lambrini), sisters, Mary C. Stockmeyer and Kathryn C. Stratton, sisters in law Heloise M. Cassidy and Janice L. Cassidy, along with many nieces and nephews.
Didi was preceded in death by her husband, Al, her parents, a special sister, Carol Cade, beloved grandson, John Bennett Lapoint and infant brother, John Elliott Cade, Jr. Visitation will be at Miguel Funeral Home on April 6, 2023, from 8:30a.m. until 2:00p.m. followed by a funeral service led by Father Keith Pellerin. A rosary will be recited at 11:00a.m.
Burial will follow at Cavalry Cemetery.