Kassandra Jo Van Vliet

On Monday, October 8, 2018, Kassandra Jo Van Vliet returned home to her Heavenly Father, surrounded by loving family, with her husband, Tommy, at her side.

Kassi was born on September 5, 1988, in Boise, Idaho, in a loving, happy home to Brad and Sheri Erickson. The oldest of 8 children, she quickly developed a personality of love and nurturing care for others as she helped to watch over and set an example for her 4 brothers and 3 sisters. She worked hard to develop many talents, excelling in school, music, and athletics.

After one year of college at Utah State University, Kassi dedicated 18 months of her life as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served diligently, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Spanish language to the people of the Morristown, New Jersey area. Returning home from her mission, she transferred and began school at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where she would eventually graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Family Life and Human Development.

While at BYU, Kassi met her husband, Thomas Van Vliet, and they were married for time and all eternity on December 17, 2011, in the Twin Falls, Idaho Temple. They were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Avery Jo Van Vliet, born June 1, 2013. Kassi dedicated each day of her life in service to be the best mother and friend to Avery possible, helping to raise her in a home built on faith in Jesus Christ, love for one another, and service to others.

For the final 5 ½ years of her life, Kassi bravely fought against a terrible and aggressive cancer. Enduring multiple surgeries, and years of treatment, she never once complained, or asked why she had been given this burden. Her smile never dimmed, and her desire to serve others remained constant until her final days. Unwavering in her faith and commitment to the Savior, she left this life as an example to all.

“… And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father…”
Enos 1:27