Obituary of Teresa Margaret Casey

After a brief illness and many years of enduring rheumatoid arthritis, Teresa left us peacefully, with her family at her side, to meet the almighty and to reunite with the many family and dear friends who have passed before her. Born in 1929 in Charlottetown, PEI, Teresa was the first daughter to Peter and Margaret (Peggy) (nee Myers) Duffy. She grew up with 14 other siblings, some of whom she helped to raise, being the second eldest of a big family. Her family moved to Halifax in 1941 during the war years because her father had taken employment with the navy. It was in Halifax where she met her dance partner, picnic date and husband, Earl, with whom she eventually moved to Saint John, NB, where she spent the rest of her life. Teresa worked for the New Brunswick Museum in the archives department, where she enjoyed historical artifacts and cataloguing them. She also maintained a career with the National Armed Forces Reservists, where she attained a rank of Master Warrant Officer (MWO) with the 722 Communications Squadron. It was because of this that her children could joke that their mother “wore army boots”. Teresa continued these career paths until her rheumatoid arthritis debilitated her and she had to take leave, eventually retiring. It was during this time she began to give her talent to volunteering, helping with the Regional Hospital Auxiliary, the Arthritis Society through the Arthritis Self-Help Management Program (ASMP) and Read Saint John, Literacy Council of Canada. In her time with the hospital auxiliary, she helped raise much needed money for the very hospital that helped her get through the worst years of her arthritis. With the Arthritis Society, she taught many arthritis sufferers how to cope with the debilitating condition and realize there is still hope. She was recognized for her efforts locally, provincially and earned a national award from the Arthritis Society of Canada. With Read Saint John she helped many illiterate children and adults read, so that they could help themselves, an invaluable gift. Teresa also earned an award for her vast amount of volunteer hours she worked. It was through volunteering that she made many good friends and acquaintances. Teresa was also a long standing member of the CWL with St. Pius X, now known as Holy Redeemer Parish Through all of this Teresa was the organizer and supporter of her family. She ensured her family had a proper home to live in and that her children were getting a good education and good health. She always maintained contact with her siblings despite the fact they lived in Halifax or other areas of the country, and was always concerned for their well-being. Mom also had a friendship with Earl’s sisters, Kay and Shirley, which demonstrated her strong family ties. Teresa is survived by her children, Esther Ann, Stephen Ernest (Jennifer) and John Paul (Linda), daughter in-law Chantel Casey, grandchildren David, Ryan, Charlotte and Katherine Casey, great grandson Dominic Curwin, her brothers Leonard and Wayne Duffy, sister Joan Paulette Metham, as well as numerous relatives she always kept in touch with. She was predeceased by her husband Earl Joseph (Bertram) Casey, son Kevin E.J., parents Peter Ernest and Margaret Alice Duffy, parents in-law Dennis Stephen and Charlotte Veronica Casey, brothers Owen, Charles, Theodore (Ted), John (Jack) and Melvin Duffy, sisters Marie and Patricia Ann, half-brothers Ernest and William (Billy), and two siblings who were still-born. Arrangements are under the care of Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Avenue, Saint John, NB E2M2L3 506-634-1701. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from Holy Redeemer Parish (316 Somerset Street) at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, February 28th 2019. A Reception will follow at the Church. Interment will take place in spring in Lower Sackville, N.S, at the Gates of Heaven Cemetery. Donations can be made in Teresa’s name to the Regional Hospital Foundation, the Arthritis Society, the Literacy Council of Canada or charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made at www.castlefh.com. A special thank you is extended to the Regional Hospital staff, especially the Family Medicine Unit of 5CN and the dedicated staff who work in the Palliative Care unit, during Teresa’s final days, as well as to her doctor who provided wonderful support, Dr. Brianne Castonguay.