Rae Blizzard Cassidy Miller

Rae Blizzard Cassidy Miller, 77 of Bonita Springs, FL passed away on May 2, 2022 surrounded by her family after a fierce battle with cancer. Her last weeks were spent in loving home hospice care with her family providing constant comfort and support. Rae was born Rae Blizzard Cassidy on March 12, 1945 in Logan, WV, daughter of the late Millard P. and Alice F. (Blair) Cassidy. Rae married her high school sweetheart Jerry Miller on September 4, 1964. She attended beauty school and in 1966 opened her own beauty shop in Danville, WV. In 1969 she relocated to New Orleans, LA with her husband Jerry, a geologist with Shell Oil Company. She landed an executive position for Popeyes Famous Fried Chicken, traveling to oversee the opening of their franchise locations. She then took a hiatus from her career to focus on family and her daughter Tonya. She was a devoted wife and wonderful mother, driving Tonya to all of her school activities, piano lessons, and sporting events, supporting her in every way. In 1987, after Tonya graduated high school, she relocated to Southwest Florida with her husband to start a new chapter. She began working at Moto Photo with her lifelong best friend Penny Forte, her first friend she made in New Orleans and with whom she worked for many years at Popeyes. She loved the photo business and eventually purchased the Moto Photo franchise in Bonita Springs which she operated with her husband and daughter. She retired in 2002 following the death of her husband. Rae was an avid reader who enjoyed gardening but most importantly she loved being Granny to her two grandsons. She had the gift of gab and loved conversation. “Her little tongue is never still, talk it must and talk it will” was included in her high school yearbook and was the perfect quote to describe Rae. Survivors include her devoted daughter, Tonya (Mike) Malay of Bonita Springs, FL; cherished grandsons, Michael Malay and Matthew Malay; and siblings, Sam Cassidy of Bluefield, WV, Corbett Woodrum of Houston, TX, Michael J. Woodrum of Ocean Springs, MS, Bruce Woodrum of Ipswich, England, Randall (Tammi) Woodrum of Huntington, WV and Debbie (Joe) Woodrum Scalf of Foster, WV. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, May 9, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, 28300 Tamiami Trail So., Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978.

Rae Blizzard Cassidy Miller

March 12, 1945 - May 2, 2022