Johanna Cascio LaGrappe, 85, of Port Arthur passed away Saturday, April 7, 2018 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on October 10, 1932 in Port Arthur, Texas to Ben Cascio, Jr. and Theresa Graffagnino Cascio. Johanna was a lifelong Port Arthur resident and a 1950 graduate of Bishop Byrne High School and member of the Colleen Drum and Bugle Corp.
She was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she served as Eucharistic Minister, CYO Advisor and member of St. Joseph Altar Society. She was a member of the American Business Women’s Association where she served as President, Beta Sigma Phi, and the American Italian Club. Johanna was the recipient of the American Business Women’s Association “Woman of the Year”, Sertoma Service to Mankind Award, and the “For God and Youth” Award for the Beaumont diocese.
Johanna was employed with Texaco before her first daughter was born. She later went back to work for the City of Port Arthur in the City Secretary’s office and retired after 25 years of service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at St. James Catholic Church with Reverend Kevin Badeaux officiating.
Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. A visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves with a rosary service to begin at 7:00 p.m. Johanna was preceded in death by two brothers, Benny Cascio and Vincent Cascio. She is survived by two daughters, Mari Quilio and husband Michael of Manahawkin, New Jersey and Michelle Singletary and husband Shane of Port Arthur, Texas and three step grandchildren, Heather Singletary, Michelle Quilio and Thomas Quilio.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Amelia Martinez for her love and compassionate care of their mother. They are also grateful to the Medical Center of Southeast Texas and Hospice Plus for the compassionate and excellent medical care. Johanna, the original “cat lady” of Port Arthur was involved in many animal rescues and instrumental in finding new homes for many homeless pets for over 30 years.
Her true passion was her love for animals. She did a thorough investigation equivalent to an FBI background check before entrusting an animal to the new owner. Johanna was the fun, cool Mom who was always involved with her daughters and their friends.
For those who knew and loved her she was funny, maddening, loving, frustrating and dedicated. Family and friends have so many favorite fun, crazy “Johanna” stories to share. She certainly wasn’t ordinary!
Bye Girl! ! !
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