Beverly Kay Casella

Beverly “Kay” Casella, age 71, passed away peacefully on the night of Tuesday, March 14th 2023, after a gradual decline in her health. She was surrounded by her loving family. Kay was born on July 7th, 1951 in Madera, California to Geneva and Elton Laird. She married her high school sweetheart, Victor Casella, in August of 1969 and they built a life of love and friendship that grew for 53 years. Kay often said that Victor was her best friend, and he said the same of Kay.

Kay spent her early adult years serving the community as a waitress at Ancient Farmer, Lucas, the Village, and Fruit Basket. Through these jobs she made friendships that lasted over the years. Kay also studied at 4C’s College and became certified as a paralegal while serving as a secretary. She loved to learn and continually grow as a person.

Kay loved people. She greeted friends and family with a kiss and a hug and a “hey baby.” Kay loved to hear and share about life. She spoke with passion about topics that were important to her and to the people she loved. She sat with people, Coke in hand, and listened to people’s stories and offered her thoughts. Kay connected with others and made them feel heard, seen, and loved. Kay shared about her faith; she prayed continually for those she loved. She read her Bible daily and shared scripture and knowledge to give comfort, encouragement, and hope to those around her. She loved to visit churches to hear God’s word through different perspectives. Her voice was strong and reflected deeply rooted love for God.

Kay had many hobbies; she was Truly creative. She tried her hand at painting, scrap booking, sewing, and was an amazing cook who was always ready to try something new. Her family was her world. She created for her family; to give and express her love to her grandchildren, to be the gatekeeper of their stories through photos and sayings in her albums. Kay was loved by her family and by those who were lucky enough to know her through them.

Kay is preceded in death by her parents Elton and Geneva Laird and her nephew Richard Rodney “Rara” Laird. She is survived by her husband Victor Casella and her children; her son Vincent Casella, her daughter Kaycee Casella and son-in-law Anthony Gallegos. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Nicholas “Booboo” Casella, Kaytlin Gallegos, Eric Gallegos, Tyler Bird, Nicole Casella, Kristin Casella, and Chloe Casella. Kay is also survived by her brother Rodney Laird and sister Beatrice “Bea” Laird and their spouses. Kay leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. All of these she loved and all loved her deeply.

Please join us to honor and celebrate Kay’s life on Friday March 31st, 2023 at 10:30 AM. At Valley West Christian Center, 101 Adell Street, Madera, CA 93637. Interment will follow at Arbor Vitae, 1121 Roberts Ave., Madera, CA, 93637.