Remembering Kassie Dewey

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Kassie Dewey’s family. Click here to donate.

The following is a message from Secretary Cheryl Strange:

Dear DSHS Colleagues,

Last week was agonizing for our DSHS family, especially for those working at Eastern State Hospital. We learned that one of our colleagues, Kassie Dewey, a Mental Health Technician at the hospital, died and her five-year-old daughter was seriously injured, in a senseless act of domestic violence.

I did not know Kassie personally, but I have heard from many of you who did. What I have learned is that she was an extremely well-liked, caring person who looked out for others. She had a positive, friendly outlook that made those around her happy, whether they were patients, co-workers, friends and even strangers.

The impact she had was evidenced at a candlelight vigil held last Wednesday evening at Franklin Park in Spokane. Hundreds of mourners showed up to give their condolences to Kassie’s family and pay their respects. Many spoke of Kassie’s bright smile and ability to make people feel comfortable and welcome at all times.

Also on Wednesday, Governor Inslee personally reached out to Eastern’s CEO Mark Kettner to express his condolences. Mark shared with the Governor how special Kassie was and how proud he is of the staff who are grieving and upset, as they try to cope with the results of this horrific event. As Mark said in a message to ESH staff, “you have yet again shown extraordinary courage and resilience from all being asked of you.” I could not agree more.

I hope everyone at DSHS will join me in efforts to increase awareness about domestic violence. Now more than ever we can see and feel the pain it brings to our families, friends, fellow workers and our communities. We need to focus on the systemic problems that cause domestic violence, as well as increase support services for the victims, and above all, work tirelessly to stop the painful and tragic incidents that continue to take lives like that of Kassie Dewey.

Please keep Kassie’s children, her family, friends, and all of our coworkers at Eastern State Hospital in your thoughts and prayers as we work to move forward and heal from this immense loss. Thank you.

Fondly,

Cheryl