The unexpected passing of Cassidy Piersall on Tuesday, March 4th, has left the community of Davenport and beyond grieving the loss of a beloved friend, colleague, and creative soul. Cassidy, known affectionately as “Cass,” was not only a beertender at Armored Gardens, but also a talented photographer for City Photography. Her death, caused by complications from asthma, has left family, friends, and the local community heartbroken, struggling to come to terms with the loss of a vibrant young woman who touched so many lives with her laughter, kindness, and infectious spirit.
Cassidy’s passing has stunned those who knew her. Her work at Armored Gardens, a popular local brewery, was just one of the many places where her positive energy radiated. She was known to her colleagues and customers alike for her approachable demeanor, her infectious laugh, and her unwavering ability to bring a smile to the faces of those around her. Her personality and charm made her not just a beertender, but a beloved figure in the local community. Every night she worked, Cassidy made sure that everyone felt welcome, leaving behind memories of warmth and kindness.
Beyond her work at the bar, Cassidy was also a gifted photographer with City Photography. She used her camera to capture life in ways that only she could see, finding beauty in the everyday moments others might overlook. Her work reflected her boundless creativity and her ability to find joy and uniqueness in the simplest of things. Through her photography, Cassidy immortalized moments of love, joy, and light, sharing her artistic vision with the world.
Cassidy was much more than her roles as a beertender and photographer, though. She had a deep passion for environmental education and restoration, an interest that she worked tirelessly to promote in her personal life and community involvement. Cassidy was an advocate for the Nahant Marsh Education Center, a cause that was close to her heart. In her memory, donations can be made to the center, which focuses on promoting environmental education and the preservation of wetland ecosystems. Supporting this cause is one way for friends and family to honor Cassidy’s legacy, reflecting the love and care she had for the planet and the people who inhabit it.
Those who knew Cassidy remember her for the way she made others feel. She had a remarkable ability to connect with people, to make them feel seen, heard, and appreciated. It was this gift that made her so cherished by those around her. Her friends often described her as someone who could light up a room with her laugh, a person who made even the toughest of days seem a little bit easier to bear. Whether she was behind the bar at Armored Gardens, sharing her latest photography project, or working on a cause she cared deeply about, Cassidy’s personality and heart were always front and center.
As the news of her passing spread, tributes began pouring in from all corners of the community. Friends, family, and even those who knew her only briefly spoke about how Cassidy’s kindness, positivity, and creativity had touched their lives. Social media posts were filled with photos of her smiling face, people sharing their favorite memories of the times they spent with her, and heartfelt messages of grief and love. While her passing has left a void, it is clear from the outpouring of support and love that Cassidy’s influence will live on through the lives she touched.
A celebration of Cassidy’s life is planned for Friday, March 14th, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Front Street Taproom in the Freight House, downtown Davenport. This event will honor her lively personality, her passion for life, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her. Those attending the celebration are encouraged to dress in fun, light, and colorful outfits, in a style Cassidy would have loved. While mumu attire is encouraged, it is by no means required—just as Cassidy would have wanted everyone to feel comfortable and express themselves freely. The event will be a time for those who knew her to come together, share memories, and celebrate her life.
While it is impossible to put into words the depth of loss felt by Cassidy’s family and friends, it is clear that her impact on the world will not fade. Her love for life, her commitment to environmental causes, her artistic vision, and her unwavering spirit of kindness are just some of the aspects of Cassidy’s legacy that will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew her. Cassidy Piersall will forever be remembered for the way she touched the world with her creativity, warmth, and passion.
As the community prepares to honor Cassidy’s life, they do so with a sense of both sadness and gratitude. Sadness for the loss of someone who had so much more to give, and gratitude for the time they had with her. Cassidy’s memory will be kept alive not just in the photos she took or the stories shared at her celebration of life, but in the actions of those who carry forward the values she held dear—love, kindness, environmental stewardship, and the joy of life.
In the wake of her passing, her family and close friends ask that anyone who wishes to honor Cassidy’s memory consider making a donation to the Nahant Marsh Education Center, an organization she supported during her life. The center’s work in environmental education and restoration reflects the love and care Cassidy had for the natural world and the future generations who will inherit it. By supporting this cause, those who loved Cassidy can ensure that her passion for environmental conservation continues to make a positive impact on the world.
Although Cassidy’s life was tragically cut short, her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her light, though no longer with us physically, will remain a guiding presence in the hearts of her friends, family, and the countless others who were touched by her kindness, creativity, and unyielding passion for life. Cassidy Piersall’s spirit will forever shine brightly, reminding us all to live our lives with love, joy, and purpose.