Phoenix Cassetta Obituary, Death: Phoenix Cassetta, Vice President of Common Ground, Dies; Saint Michael’s College Community Mourns the Loss of an Inspirational Leader and Cherished Friend
The Saint Michael’s College community is deeply mourning the loss of Phoenix Cassetta, a beloved member of the campus and Vice President of Common Ground. Phoenix, a young leader known for her unwavering dedication to social justice, compassion for others, and commitment to the Saint Michael’s community, passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew her. Her sudden death has sent shockwaves through the community, with friends, colleagues, and students coming together to honor her memory and reflect on the profound impact she had on the lives of those around her.
Phoenix Cassetta was not just an outstanding leader at Common Ground, an organization dedicated to fostering inclusion and diversity on campus, but she was also an incredible friend, advocate, and mentor. Her role as a Resident Assistant (RA) at Cashman Hall allowed her to build deep, meaningful connections with the students she served, guiding them through the challenges of college life while ensuring they felt seen, heard, and supported. Her vibrant presence made her a pillar of strength and positivity in the community, a role she embraced wholeheartedly, always putting others first in her efforts to make Saint Michael’s a more inclusive and welcoming place for all.
The news of Phoenix’s passing has left her loved ones devastated. On Monday evening, a solemn service will be held at seven o’clock in the chapel to honor her memory. Friends, family, and the campus community will gather to pay their respects to a remarkable young woman who touched so many lives. Vie Mazur, a friend and colleague from Bergeron, will be present in the CWG (Alliot 206) at six o’clock to offer a space for grieving before the service begins. These gatherings, which will continue throughout the week at Cashman Hall—where Phoenix had worked as an RA—will provide an opportunity for friends and the community to come together in shared grief, offering support to one another and to Phoenix’s family.
In the days following her passing, the halls of Saint Michael’s College have been filled with stories and memories of Phoenix. She was remembered not only for her leadership but for her ability to inspire others to pursue their passions and stand up for what they believe in. Whether she was organizing campus events for Common Ground, leading discussions on social justice issues, or simply lending a listening ear to a fellow student, Phoenix lived with a rare kind of authenticity that made her a beacon of hope and encouragement for all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her commitment to advocacy extended far beyond her official roles. Phoenix was deeply involved in numerous initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion, equity, and justice on campus. Her voice was one that spoke for the marginalized and oppressed, and her work with Common Ground reflected her vision for a more compassionate and understanding world. In her time at Saint Michael’s, she built bridges between different groups, fostering an environment where diversity was celebrated, and where every student could feel like they belonged.
The pain of losing Phoenix so suddenly is palpable. Her family, friends, and colleagues are now navigating the deep grief of her absence, leaning on one another for support as they try to make sense of a world without her in it. The gatherings at Cashman Hall on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at six o’clock in the evening will provide an opportunity for the community to come together, share stories about Phoenix’s life, and offer condolences to her grieving family. These gatherings, organized in her honor, are a testament to the profound impact Phoenix had on the community—a reflection of the love and respect that so many held for her.
As the Saint Michael’s College community mourns the loss of Phoenix Cassetta, they are reminded of the importance of reaching out for support during times of grief. Various resources are available to those who need help navigating the emotional toll of her passing. Organizations such as the Trevor Project, First Call, Talkcampus, and the Crisis Line are ready to offer support, and the campus itself has opened its doors to anyone seeking comfort during this difficult time. Bergeron Hall has also made itself available as a space for students and staff to drop in and find solace in the presence of their peers.
Phoenix’s life was one of extraordinary purpose. She had a clear vision for the world she wanted to create—a world where empathy and understanding were at the core of every interaction, where people from all walks of life could come together to celebrate their differences and embrace their shared humanity. This vision is one that she carried with her every day, in every role she held, and in every interaction she had with those around her. Phoenix lived her life with an open heart, always striving to uplift others and make a positive difference in the world.
Her death is not only a loss for the Saint Michael’s community but for the countless individuals whose lives she touched through her advocacy and kindness. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students at Saint Michael’s College and beyond, reminding them of the power of compassion, resilience, and the importance of standing up for what is right. In the days and weeks to come, as the community continues to grieve, they will also celebrate the incredible life that Phoenix lived—a life marked by purpose, passion, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
As the college prepares to say their final goodbyes to Phoenix, the community is reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment spent with loved ones. The pain of her loss will be felt for a long time to come, but her memory will continue to shine bright, illuminating the path forward for those who seek to follow in her footsteps. Phoenix Cassetta may be gone, but the impact she had on the lives of those around her will live on for years to come, a lasting tribute to a life lived with love, courage, and integrity.
In the coming weeks, the Saint Michael’s College community will continue to hold events in Phoenix’s honor, offering spaces for reflection, healing, and connection. These events, along with the support resources made available to students and staff, are a vital part of the healing process as the community navigates the immense grief of her passing. While the pain of losing Phoenix will never fully fade, her legacy will remain an integral part of the fabric of the community she helped to build and nurture.
For now, the focus is on remembering Phoenix for who she was: a remarkable individual who gave so much of herself to the people and causes she cared about. As her loved ones mourn her passing, they also celebrate her life—a life filled with purpose, love, and a commitment to making the world a better place for everyone. Phoenix Cassetta will be dearly missed, but she will never be forgotten. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.
