Marie Jeanne McCasland's Obituary
M.J. (Marie Jeanne) McCasland, 93, was born on Christmas Day, 1930, in Newport, Vermont, the only child to her parents Alfred and Rose Greenwood. She later moved to Burlington, Vermont, before ultimately moving to Tampa, Florida, where she was hired by the Maas Brothers’ Store.
It was there, over the Xerox machine, that she met her husband-to-be, Jim McCasland. She was immediately impressed with him and especially his impeccable dress (she later learned that he had found a laundress who charged only three dollars to not only do his laundry, but also iron his starched shirts to perfection). In 1958 she married this gentleman from Kansas City who had been previously in the Navy. Shortly thereafter, in 1961, they moved to Clearwater where Maas Brothers’ had just opened up a new store.
After more than 30 years with Maas Brothers’, they both retired and focused on charitable activities: Meals on Wheels, A Food Bank at Religious Community Services, and numerous church programs as active members of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. They also enjoyed traveling, visiting a multitude of places in Europe, such as Ireland, England, Rome, Norway, and Lourdes, Nice, and Paris in France (where M.J.’s fluency in French was quite useful), as well as an opportunity to meet the Pope!
It was while they were on a cruise along the coast of Norway, that a fellow passenger who was a doctor noted that Jim’s walk suggested that he might want to be checked by his doctor upon their return home. On following her recommendation, Jim and M.J. learned that he had Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). During the two years that followed, they were both so grateful for the regular visits of his golfing buddies. M.J. made sure that these visits also included neighbors and other friends. She also made sure that there was not only plenty of food, but also some good Irish whiskey! They very much appreciated the help from the Veterans Association, the Paralyzed Veterans Association, ALS organizations, and especially Hospice. Unfortunately, Jim would pass away on April 7th, 2013.
Following the death of her husband, M.J. went on to move into the Westminster Shores community, where she participated in many activities and volunteer opportunities. She began attending and being active in the local parish there, Blessed Trinity Catholic Church.
For M.J., life was a celebratory, joyful, and faith filled journey. She would pass on to her Heavenly Reward on February 22nd, 2024. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Janet Shore, and multiple nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Catholic charities or to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
What’s your fondest memory of Marie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marie?
Share a story where Marie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marie you’ll never forget.
How did Marie make you smile?