Paula Fay Cassidy

Paula (Fay) Cassidy of Annapolis, MD lived 90 amazing years. She is reunited with her late husband Dr. Robert E. Cassidy (Bob), who we are sure greeted her with a bourbon old fashioned, a lobster roll and a box of See’s Candy.

Born in Boston, MA, Paula was raised in Winthrop. She graduated from the New England Deaconess School of Nursing and was a Certified Occupational Health Nurse. She received professional licensures to work as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, California, Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. Her career varied from being the Head Nurse in Pediatrics at the Massachusetts General Hospital to serving as an Occupational Nurse initially for Eastman Kodak in California and then with the Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C. and in Boston for over twenty years.

She met Bob in High School, and they were married for 64 years. She supported him during grad school and was an incredible Navy wife during Bob’s 34 years of service. During his assignments overseas and aboard ships when he was gone, at times for over a year, Paula took care of raising their three children, managed their household, cared for their pets and continued to work. During their incredible life together, they traveled the World and moved more than thirty times. Shortly after giving birth to her oldest son in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, they were evacuated during the Cuban Missile Crisis. A couple of years later they were stationed in Spain, with no base housing and three infant children. Yes, Paula was small but strong. She faced adversity and challenges with strength and enthusiasm.

Paula was very active in community, social and professional organizations. She volunteered for many organizations and frequently served in leadership positions. Paula was also an ardent gardener. Wherever she lived her gardens were admired by all and her flowers, particularly her roses, won numerous competitions. She was a talented painter, great cook, and an avid golfer, her two hole-in-ones were favorite achievements. She was a passionate sports fan cheering for all of the New England teams with a special affection for the Boston Red Sox.

She is survived by two sons, Commander Douglas Cassidy, USN retired (Jamy) of Winston-Salem NC, Captain Shawn Cassidy USNR retired (Elizabeth) of Arnold, MD and her daughter Carlene Cassidy (Laura) of Annapolis, MD; and four grandchildren, Erin Bourne (Jeremy), Connor Cassidy (Alex), Katie Byrd (Cole), and Christopher Cassidy (Marisa), and two great-granddaughters Addie and Jane.

A Funeral service will be held at Ft. Myer Chapel 101 McNair Rd Fort Myer, VA 22211 at 11 am on Friday, March 28, 2025. Interment will follow alongside her beloved husband Bob at Arlington National Cemetery

To honor Paula, please consider supporting the Future Nursing Professionals Scholarship at Anne Arundel Community College. Online gifts can be made by visiting: aacc.edu/foundation or Gifts can be made payable to the "AACC Foundation" and mailed to:

AACC Foundation

Henry "Hank" Libby Bldg

101 College Parkway

Arnold, MD 21012