Charlotte E. Cassels

Charlotte Eleanor Cassels of Bronxville, New York, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was the daughter of the late Michael and Eleanor Bridget Finnegan. Charlotte was happily married to the love of her life, Thomas Peter Cassels, for 43 beautiful years.
Charlotte is survived by her children and their spouses: Ellen and Martin Kenny, Thomas M. and Alison Cassels, and Colleen and T.J. Crawford, as well as her adored grandchildren: Maeve and Katherine Kenny, Colin and Nicholas Cassels, and Peyton and Avery Crawford. Her family will deeply miss her as a loving mother and grandmother. She was also the beloved sister of the late Michael F. Finnegan.
Charlotte was born and raised in her early years in the Inwood section of upper Manhattan and later moved with her parents and brother to the Bronx. Charlotte was the daughter of the late Michael Finnegan of County Cavan, Ireland, and Eleanor Bridget (née Duff) of County Wicklow, Ireland. A proud first-generation Irish American, Charlotte's deep connection to her Irish roots shaped her entire life.
As a child, she treasured the adventures she shared with her parents and brother throughout the boroughs of New York City, where they forged a life as immigrants committed to their Catholic faith, Irish heritage, and the pursuit of education. Charlotte fondly recalled her early years, filled with love, family, and the values instilled by her parents-values she would go on to pass down to her own children and grandchildren.
Charlotte attended grammar school at Saint Elizabeth's and High School at Sacred Heart. She furthered her education completing her Bachelor's Degree at Marymount Manhattan College and obtaining her Masters degree at Fordham University. She enjoyed a rewarding career in education as a Chemistry and Biology teacher and guidance counselor at Westlake High School in Thornwood, NY.
Her love for her Irish heritage remained unwavering throughout her life. She made numerous trips to Ireland over the years, staying in close contact with her relatives on both sides of the Atlantic, always proud to keep the family connections strong. She ensured her children grew up immersed in Irish culture with a particular interest in music; providing them opportunities from singing in Irish choirs to learning to play the harp.
In her later years, Charlotte remained devoted to her family, always offering wisdom, warmth, and love to all who knew her. Her legacy of faith, family, and heritage will live on in the hearts of those she leaves.
Visitation will be held at Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home in Bronxville, NY on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church in Bronxville on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 9:45 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, which works to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
Calling Hours: 4 to 8 pm, Thursday, February 6, 2025
Mass: 9:45 am, Friday, February 7, 2025 at St. Joseph's Church, Bronxville
To Live Stream the Mass: Please Click Here
In Lieu of Flowers: Contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association