Danita Casey

In a world where seriousness is often the order of the day, one spirited woman dared to be different. Danita Ilene Casey, affectionately known as Gagee, was the personification of resilience and an embodiment of joy. Born on March 4, 1958, in Napa, CA, she spent her 66 years on this Earth creating laughter, adventure, and memories that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Danita, a woman of many talents, was employed as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, specializing in behavioral matters. It was a job she performed with a contagious zest that transcended her professional life. Outside of work, she was a beacon of whimsy and fun. She had an uncanny knack for making a game out of the most mundane tasks and had an infectious laugh that would light up even the gloomiest of rooms. To quote Mark Twain, "The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter." And laughter was Danita's superpower. An adventurous soul, Danita loved getting lost on her many adventures, having lived in places as diverse as Honolulu, Hawaii, Pueblo, Colorado, and Napa, California, before settling in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Danita was the beloved wife of George Casey Jr., to whom she was married on March 26, 1988. She was an eccentric mother to her daughters, Rebeca Sharp and Lori Brauer, son-in-law Dominic Brauer and an adored Gagee to her grandchildren, Chad & Olivia Dowdy Izrial Glick, Emilia Dowdy, Rihanna Sharp, Nikolas Dowdy and her granddaughter-in-law, Kailee Huff along with Mitchell Overkamp, Tyler Overkamp, Nathanieland Tiffany Smith, Matthew and Brianna , and Lillianna Brauer. along with great grandchildren Athyna, Killian, Lyraroze, Psykoniki, Azazel, Adalynn and the many other blessed children she claimed as her own. She is also survived by her cousins in Juana , Steven, Cathy Thomas , Frankie Sheyanne and Toriano. Danita was a force of nature and her spirit will live on through them. She was preceded in death by her parents, Emilio and Lillian Padilla, and her siblings, Janis Gates, Ronald Padilla , Johnny & Billy Padilla. As we remember Danita, let us not forget the courage it took to live a life filled with laughter and joy in a world that often forgets the importance of both. Danita's life was a testament to the power of resilience, a reminder that life is an adventure to be embraced, and a celebration of the courage to be oneself. As we bid her farewell, let us remember the words of Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Danita, thank you for making us smile. Burial of Danita's cremated remains will take place on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 12:00 pm EDT (NOON) at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd., Augusta, MI 49012, with her beloved husband, George. In honor of Danita, we encourage you to share your favorite memories and photos of her on her memorial page. Celebrate her life by remembering the joy, resilience, and courage she exemplified every day. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Danita Casey, please visit our flower store.