This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Casciani, Barone, Alessi Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5157/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Cosimine "Cossie" A. Casciani was the first of three children born to Dr. Alfred and Louise (Barone) Alessi on October 5, 1935 in Buffalo, NY. Cossie was raised in Niagara Falls, NY and graduated from The University of Buffalo with dreams of medical school. Cossie married her college sweetheart Francis S. Casciani, settled in Rochester, NY and had four children, all of whom survive her. Brilliant, beautiful and graceful, Cossie earned her bachelors' degrees in both Chemistry & Fine Arts. She was a breast cancer survivor, a belly dancer, a free spirit, and a princess before it became the norm. Cossie loved the finer things and people in her life the best she knew how. She moved to Las Cruces in 2006 and tried to live the independent and free spirited life she longed for, although she was barely well enough to enjoy it in the way she'd dreamt. Cossie is survived by Dr. Frank S. Casciani, her brother, Dr. Francis Alessi (Pam) of New Orleans, her sister Louise Gray (Charlie) of Anaheim, her daughters Christine Porter (Tim), Cosette Casciani-Eaton (Rodney), her sons Francis Casciani (Scott Wilkie) and Joel Casciani (Betty Jimenez), and grandchildren Andrea Swift, Erika Hilliker, Rosie Moore, Jessica Jimenez, Anna, Gina and Frankie Casciani, Jennifer, Jessica and Ryan Eaton, Jaime Bloomer, numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The family especially thanks those who patiently cared for Cossie: Brenda Akins, Roberta Saul, Blanca Rios, Florence Castillo-Nuevo, the staff at The Heritage Program for Senior Adults, and Dr's Murali and Hernandez. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 22, at 10:00 a.m. at Getz Funeral Home Chapel. As per her wishes, Cossie will be transported to Niagara Falls, NY for a Funeral Mass and burial, arrangements to be provided by Spolleno-Amigone Funeral Home 1300 Pine Ave. Niagara Falls, NY 14301. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Family to Family Program (NAMI.DAC) PO Box 2556 Las Cruces, NM 88004. Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home corner of Solano and Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 526-2419. To sign the local online guest book go to www.GetzCares.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on January 21, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.