Vicky Elizabeth Mouser

When Vicky Elizabeth Mouser was born on September 26, 1957, in Champaign, Illinois, her father, William Thomas Mouser, was 21 and her mother, Madeline "Maggie" Marie Mullis, was 20. She had two elder siblings, Connie Louise Mouser, born May 25, 1955, and William Thomas Mouser II, born June 20, 1956. Her half-brother Thomas Lepaugh was born on November 30, 1960, in Urbana, Illinois, when Vicky was 3 years old. He died at the early age of 30 on January 26, 1990 in San Francisco, California. Her half-brother David Andrew "Drew" Shreeves was born on June 19, 1968, in Champaign, Illinois, when Vicky was 10 years old. Her half-brother Samuel Wesley Shreeves was born on August 16, 1969 when Vicky was 11.

Vicky lived first in Sidney, Illinois, and later was raised in Homer, Illinois, where she attended middle and high schools. She had a full life rais6aed in a Christian household with loving family and friends. Our grandparents and mother were intensely familiar in her life, and they raised her well. With her kind nature and vibrant personality she was loved by all. In 1976, Vicky attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois pursuing a degree in early education to become a teacher.

She married Sam Cassaro on August 7, 1984, in Homer, Illinois, when she was 26 years old. She resided in Rockford, Illinois with Sam's very large family where she was shown much love. His Italian roots and sense of family permeated her with caring and joy.

They became members of Judah Christian Church in Champaign and attended without remiss. She lived always by the word of God, and shamelessly and proudly professed it. Since she was a child, she, like mother, sang hymns about the household and in public with her beautiful voice. She was also the first to chastise you if a profanity were to be let loose. Never did she doubt that she owned a place in God's kingdom, because when you live your life in his teachings, you know your worth unconditionally.

They resided in Urbana Illinois from 1986 until present day. They had one child during their marriage. Sarah Anne was born on August 3, 1985. Sarah was born with a heart condition and Vicky spent most of the rest of her life attending to her needs and ensuring that Sarah would be well cared for and able to become the free spirit she is today. Vicky was a warm, attentive, and wonderful mother.

Her mother "Maggie" passed away on June 23, 2003, in Villa Grove, Illinois, when she was 64 years old. Vicky, like the rest of us, maintained a constant appreciation of the ways in which she was raised, both by mother and grandmother. She was almost Saint-like in her ways of prayer, and of viewing life with open eyes. Anyone who ever spent time with her felt nothing but love when in her presence.

Vicky died on December 12, 2021, in Urbana, Illinois, at the age of 64. She will be missed by many, most especially her family. Her presence in our lives, was and is, a blessing. Fly high my sister. Sing your songs!