LEASE, Cassandra M. of Medford, MA passed away at her home on Feb. 2, 2021. She was born in Boston on May 8, 1983 to the late Dawn (Sewall) Lease and Michael Lease. She was homeschooled by her parents and attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon IA, where she studied psychology. She worked as a software QA tester, most recently on a contract assignment for ASU Preparatory Academy.
Cassandra always had a huge, compassionate heart, endless appetite for knowledge, a wonderful sense of humor, and a sharp and clever wit. She was a tremendous daughter, sister, and friend, and loved by all who knew her well. A passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Cassandra never stopped believing in, speaking up for, and fighting for justice and equality for all. She was a talented writer and storyteller, who created many works on her own as well in collaboration with others. She was an avid participant and game master of many role-playing games with friends her whole life. She loved Disney and made many pilgrimages to Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and her love of Power Rangers and a certain Little Mermaid was well-known. A proud geek, she was an enthusiast of countless science fiction and fantasy books, movies, and television shows who participated in fandom of all kinds. Conventions, fiction, crafting, and cosplay were among her favorite pastimes.
She loved cats, and left behind October Willow, who has been placed in a loving home with a friend of hers. She is survived by her father Michael Lease of Gladstone, MO and her sister Alanya Divine of Murfreesboro, TN, as well as numerous friends and relatives.
Cassandra has been cremated and her ashes are being held pending a celebration of life to be held at a later date, where she will be committed to the sea as she had wished. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests donations in her memory to The Trevor Project (www.thetrevorproject.org) or Trans Lifeline (translifeline.org).