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Dorothy "Dolly" Casey, a devoted wife, loving
mother, cherished grandmother, compassionate nurse, and faithful friend,
passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her
family after a long, courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She was
75 years old.
Born on August 29, 1950, in Watertown,
Massachusetts, Dorothy was the beloved daughter of the late Philip and
Ethel Jones. She was raised in Newton, Massachusetts, where she
developed the caring spirit and quiet strength that would define her
life.
Dolly was the beloved wife and soulmate of Len Casey, whom
she married on January 22, 1970. Their love story began as neighbors on
Bonmar Circle in Newton, where Dolly caught the eye of the boy next
door. After a whirlwind courtship, they married and spent more than 56
wonderful years building a life centered on love, laughter, faith, and
family. Their marriage was a beautiful example of unconditional love,
mutual devotion, and unwavering partnership.
At just 19 years old,
Dolly earned her Registered Nurse degree from Newton Junior College in
Newton, MA becoming, according to her dean, the youngest registered
nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at that time. Nursing was
more than a profession—it was her calling. Her gentle compassion,
calming presence, and remarkable knowledge comforted countless patients,
friends, and family members throughout her life. To those who loved
her, she would always be the nurse they called first, offering
reassurance, wisdom, and heartfelt care. Dolly’s career spanned over
forty-five years, starting in a hospital setting, including the
emergency department in Waltham Hospital, to her decades practicing as a
pediatric nurse in doctors’ offices. She worked for several years at
Pediatric Associates of Norwood and Franklin, where her children and
eventually many of her grandchildren were patients. Dolly ended her
nursing journey with Harvard Vanguard in West Roxbury, after twenty plus
years caring for children and adolescents and earning well-deserved
accolades for being a beloved and cherished colleague, nurse and friend.
Family
was the center of Dolly's world. She is survived by her devoted husband
Len, and her loving daughters, Lauri O'Grady and her husband, Kevin of
Norton, Allison Frigon and her husband, Brian of Franklin, and
Jeanne-Marie Drugan and her husband Peter of North Attleboro. She was
the incredibly proud grandmother of Andrew, Alex, Abby, and Adam Frigon;
Aidan, Ryan, and Cailin O'Grady; and Christopher Drugan, each of whom
brought immeasurable joy to her life. Her happiest moments were spent
making memories with her grandchildren, especially during treasured
family weekends on Cape Cod.
Dorothy is also survived by her
sisters, Deborah Miller and her husband, Jim of Plainville, and Beverly
Arsenault and her husband, Joseph of Stoughton, along with many beloved
nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who were
blessed to know her.
In addition to her parents Philip and Ethel Jones, she is predeceased by her brothers Philip Jones, Jr. and Robert Jones.
Relatives
and friends are invited to attend her funeral Thursday August 13th, at
9AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage
St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Franklin at 10AM.
To view the Mass stmarysfranklin.org
Burial will follow at the parish cemetery.
Calling hours are Wednesday Aug. 12th, from 4-7PM.
In
lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in
memory of Dolly Casey to support cancer research and patient care at:
Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteP.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift
