Carol Miller Cassidy

Carol was born and raised in Steubenville, Ohio daughter of the late Robert H. and Madge C. Miller. A proud graduate of Mt. Union College with a language major, she moved to Boston to pursue her career. She was employed by Pan American Airlines as a ticket agent. Shortly after moving to Boston, she met and married Arthur F. Cassidy. At the age of 23, Carol was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes and was given a very grim prognosis and poor prospects of ever having children or even living past 40. She and Art were determined to live every day to the fullest and prove those predictions wrong. She did so by giving birth to her two healthy, beautiful girls, Kelly and Jill.

Art and Carol settled in Medford Lakes, NJ. After raising her children, Carol embarked on her travel career, working as a travel agent and then moving up to become the manager of Thomas Cooke Travel in Philadelphia. She and Art traveled the world on cruises and adventures, taking every opportunity to explore new places and bringing their children with them whenever possible. Carol had an insatiable appetite for knowledge and loved to share her experiences and zest for life.

In 1990, they began to summer in Ocean City, NJ where Carol became active in the community. She created the grounds committee at their Ocean Reef Condominium Association and was on the volunteer staff leading beach walks to teach others about the wonders to be found on the Ocean City beaches. She was an avid bird watcher and she and Art frequented bird platforms in the area to track annual migrations. They moved there permanently in 2007.

Later in life, Carol assumed her most beloved role yet, when she became “Grammy” to Meghan and Allyson. They were the lights of her life and brought her endless joy and happiness. She showered them with unlimited love and patience and taught them never to accept mediocrity, to always ask questions, and that you can do anything you set your mind to. She was in her glory with her girls. The girls each got to spend a “week with Grammy” every summer which Carol packed with fun and educational activities. They enjoyed similar activities and visits as Art and Carol started wintering in Naples, FL.

Art and Carol’s unexpected return to Swampscott early last year proved to be a wonderful gift. She finally got her dream of living in Marblehead as she enjoyed a picturesque home on the ocean. She embraced her new community, learning everything she could about its history. Carol got to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary, cheer on her grandchildren at soccer and basketball games, host birthday celebrations, lobster bakes, and attend piano recitals and plays. It was an amazing year.

Carol leaves behind her beloved husband, Arthur; daughters Kelly Cassidy Upham and her husband Michael; Jill Cassidy Hartmann, her husband Michael and their children Meghan and Allyson, all from Swampscott; brothers Michael Miller and wife Becky of Perrysburg, OH and Robert Miller of Vestavia Hills, AL. She also leaves behind nieces Kris, Molly, Christie and nephew, Ryan; and, not to be left out, grand-dogs, Bocce and Jack.

Carol was affectionately considered a “surrogate mother” to many. Her capacity to love was unlimited. She gave love freely, never expecting anything in return, and always had a smile on her face.

Carol leaves us broken hearted, but far better people than we would have been without her…she lead by example, graciously welcomed everyone into her home, and had an abundance of love for those she touched…she will be missed…

In the end, Carol got her wish…”to slide in broadside at the end of life, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming…WHAT A RIDE!!!”

We will celebrate Carol’s life with a service on Friday, January 18 at 11 am at Eustis and Cornell Funeral Home, 142 Elm Street, Marblehead. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Visitation will be held at Eustis and Cornell on Thursday, January 17 between 4 and 6pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carol’s memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at JDRF.com.