Lucille Kelley Casey was surrounded by family and welcomed into Heaven on February 6, 2024.
Lucille was born and raised in Jonesport, Maine, a picturesque, seaside lobster fishing town. Finding an early passion for helping others, she pursued a degree and graduated cum laude from the Forsythe School of Dental Hygiene in Boston to become one of the country’s first dental hygienists. Lucille began working in Bangor, Maine, where she met her future husband, John Casey. She and John fell in love, married, and spent an incredible 59 years together before his passing in 2011. Together, they raised six children across the U.S. and Germany. On three occasions, John served overseas as a combat engineer with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. During these ‘hardship tours,’ Lucille raised the young family on her own.
In 1972, Lucille recertified her license to practice dental hygiene and was proud to have worked for 20 years for A. J. Ostrolenk, DDS, in a private practice in Alexandria, Virginia.
As John and Lucille began considering retirement, they took golf trips up and down the East Coast. One of these trips included a stop in Pinehurst. The hints of New England throughout the village convinced them they had found their community. They retired and built their beautiful home there in 1995, continuing to pursue their love of golf, bowling, and bridge, playing as long as they were able.
Lucille, known to her grandchildren and many friends as “Nina,” was a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, sibling, and active member of her church and community, and she freely shared her beautiful smile wherever she went.
In death, Lucille greets her husband, John, and their beloved dog, Moses. She is survived by her six children, John Casey, Jr. (Linda (dec.)), Jim Casey (Kathy), Steven Casey (Janis), Carol Ann Henderson (Chuck), Cynthia Casey Bradley, Elizabeth Brooks (Matt), eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her intellect, kindness, wit, and love for her family and friends will be long celebrated.
The family will receive friends at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 24, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 300 Dundee Rd., Pinehurst. A service will follow at 11:00 AM. As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made to FirstHealth Hospice & Palliative Care. https://www.firsthealth.org/foundation-of-firsthealth/caring-for-people-funds/hospice-palliative-care/
So when tomorrow starts without me, Don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart. David M. Romano 1993 – From the book Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander, MD
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
