Sister Constance Casey SNJM

Casey, Sister Constance SNJM ALBANY Sister Constance Casey (Sister Jean Helen), a Sister of the Holy Names for 50 years, was born into eternal life on March 14, 2012 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital. Daughter of the late John J. (Jack) and Helen Frank Casey, she was born on January 11, 1942 in Troy, N.Y. She graduated from Sacred Heart School, Troy, and the Academy of the Holy Names in 1959. She entered the Sisters of the Holy Names on July 2, 1959 and professed her vows on August 22, 1961. She received a B.A. in history from Medaille College, Buffalo, and her M.A. in educational administration from SUNY Albany. Sister Connie began her teaching career in elementary schools in Winchester, Va. and Liverpool, N.Y. While teaching high school English, history and theology at the Academy of the Holy Names in Tampa, Fla., she was also director of the Academy's boarding school. In 1969 Sister Connie became principal of AHN in Tampa, and in 1977 she was named principal of the Academy of the Holy Names in Albany. In 1990 she became president of AHN Albany, serving in that position through June 2009, at which time she continued to assist and support AHN as president emeritus. Ever dedicated to serve, Sister Connie was board president of the World's Window, which helps children and families in underprivileged countries. She also served on the Ladies of Charity Board, the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation Board, assisted in the coordination of the Junior Ladies of Charity, and moderated the reading club at Blessed Sacrament School, Albany. She was also a member of the research task force for the feasibility of a Cristo Rey High School for economically disadvantaged students in the Capital District. Sister Connie held leadership positions in her religious congregation and was active in service activities and volunteer organizations wherever she resided. She served as co-president of the Capital Region Independent Schools Association, and served on the Chamber of Commerce, Women of Excellence program and the Tech Valley Task Force. She was active in the Catholic Charities AIDS services, the Red Cross Blood Donor program and in numerous other efforts in local organizations. She has been the recipient of the Monsignor Burns Award, the Albany-Colonie Chamber's Women of Excellence Distinguished Career Award and the Capital Region Foundation Women's Trailblazer Award. In 2011, she was inducted into the AHN Sports Hall of Fame and received the AHN Founders and Community Leadership Award, subsequently renamed for her. Sister Connie devoted her professional life to providing quality education for young women and to seeking ways to extend this opportunity to the poor and economically disadvantaged. As campus president of AHN Albany, she established the Partners in Education program. In her years at AHN in Albany, Sister Connie provided charismatic leadership that engaged all members of the school community in the mission of educating young women for leadership, academic excellence and service to others. Led by her great love and compassion for others, she was always eager to find new avenues to empower others for better lives. Her leadership skills were marked by a rare vision, sincere concern and respect for the individual person, and an ability to encourage people to do their best. Sister Connie is survived by her sister, Mary Beth O'Brien of Albany, brother, Frank (Penny) of Albany and sister, Ellen (Thomas) Gorke of Watchung, N.J. She was "Aunt Con" to her 18 nieces and nephews and 29 grand nieces and nephews. Sister Connie was predeceased by her brothers, John J. Casey III and Phillip T. Casey; her brother-in-law, Frank E. O'Brien Jr.; and her nephews, Frank E. O'Brien III and Michael P. Casey and his family. She also leaves her dear friend and colleague, Mary Anne Vigliante. The Sisters of the Holy Names and the Casey family wish to thank Sister Connie's doctors and nurses, especially Robaire Long, her home health aide, and Erin Teidman, Moire Cistola and Sally Gilpin, all members of the staff of the Community Hospice of Albany County. Our deep gratitude is extended to all the compassionate caretakers at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital. Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 18 at the Academy of the Holy Names Upper School, 1073 New Scotland Ave., Albany. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Mater Christi Church, 40 Hopewell St., Albany. In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Sister Connie and her life's work may be made in the name of Sister Constance Casey through the Partners in Education Program at the Academy of the Holy Names, 1073 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208 or to the Sisters of the Holy Names Retirement Fund, 258 Partridge St., Albany, NY 12208. maginandkeeganfuneralhome.com