Clarene L. Cascio, 87, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born and raised in the Kansas City area, graduating from Karnes Elementary School and Northeast High School.  She married the love of her life, Ross, 68 years ago and they lived out their love story until the very end.  They cherished date nights, holding hands, dancing to their song, Stardust, as well as, travel.  Clarene wore many hats in her life, so well-lived, including some of her favorites: a co-owner of Cascio’s Corner, the comptroller of Victor Ross & Co. for 30 years, a loving Mom to her children as well as a stand-in Mom to countless others, the best Nani, a devoted Catholic, a 43-year cancer survivor and prayer warrior for so many struggling with cancer, a room mother and teacher at Holy Cross, and a best friend to so many.  But being married to Ross was always a cherished role.

Clarene was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gladys Donnici; her brothers, Pete and Dr. Frank Donnici; as well as her in-laws, Vito and Rose Cascio, Ben Cascio (Marie) and Elizabeth Smiraldo (Santo).  She is survived by her devoted husband, Ross Cascio; her loving children, Victor G. Cascio (Santa), Rozanne Scimeca (Phil), and Christy Hartner (Kurt); her doting grandchildren, Ross J. Cascio II (Shelby), Dr. Claire Cascio, Frank Scimeca (Jennifer), Toni Bonadonna (Anthony), Ross Scimeca (Lauren), Evan Hartner and Blake Hartner; as well as 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Sugie DiCapo (Carl); sisters-in-law, Linda Donnici, Mary Anne Haynes, and Loretta Donnici; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Clarene and Ross’s last four years spent at The Atriums have been a special chapter in their lives filled with friendships, activities, and excellent care – a special thanks to the Tutera Family and staff.  A sincere expression of gratitude also goes out to caregivers at the Kansas City Hospice House, and a special thanks to some of Clarene’s “Angels” Nino Gurera, Sharon Sims and Elijah Roulhac.  Clarene will always be remembered for so many life lessons, such as: “Overlook trifles.”, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” and “Always kill ‘em with kindness”.  She also taught us to open our hearts and homes to anyone, as well as helping others in need, as evidenced by our tradition of adopting a family each year for many decades – a tradition we will carry on in her honor.  Her compassionate spirit and loving heart will be greatly missed and live on in her family and friends forever.

Services will be held at Visitation Catholic Church, 5141 Main St., Kansas City, MO, with a visitation on Wednesday, May 30th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., and a funeral Mass on Thursday, May 31st at 10:00 a.m. Cremation will follow the services. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Kansas City Hospice House or Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.

Pallbearers: Ross J. Cascio II, Frank Scimeca, Anthony Bonadonna, Ross Scimeca, Evan Hartner and Blake Hartner

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com