Marla Jean Cassidy

Marla Jean Cassidy of Frisco, TX, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, with family at her side. 

Born August 1, 1937, in Greensburg, PA, Marla was raised in Blairsville, PA, by her late mother Ann M. Cohen, a homemaker, and late father Dr. Harry C. Cohen, a respected dentist. The youngest of three siblings, Marla’s oldest sister, Peggy (Meg) Kurey of Lancaster, PA, predeceased her. Marla’s middle sister, Sheila Motter, lives in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. 

In 1955, Marla graduated from Blairsville High School and was a member of the National Honor Society. Marla attended and graduated in 1959 with honors and a degree for bachelor of science in education from Mount Mercy College (now Carlow College) in Pittsburgh, PA. Marla was a student leader at the college and a member of Delta Sigma Rho, the national society for students that competed and distinguished themselves in intercollegiate forensic contests. Upon graduation, Marla received a credential as a speech therapist and taught students in Pittsburgh area schools.

During her college summers, Marla traveled to Saratoga Springs, NY, to work as a waitress at the restaurant at the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Spa. There, Marla met Saratoga Springs native Paul J. Cassidy, who was a bellhop at the hotel. In August 1960, Marla and Paul married, and remained married for 57 years until Paul’s passing in 2018. 

Together Marla and Paul raised four children: Kevin, Stephen, Paula and Carolyn. All survive Marla, along with their spouses: Nicky Cassidy, wife of Kevin; Amy Cassidy, wife of Stephen; Frank Polma, husband of Paula; and Zach McGee, husband of Carolyn. 

Six grandchildren survive Marla: Olivia Cassidy and Max Cassidy (children of Nicky and Kevin Cassidy); Fiona Cassidy and Maeve Cassidy (daughters of Amy and Stephen Cassidy; and Violet McGee and Julia McGee (daughters of Carolyn Cassidy and Zach McGee); plus three great grandchildren, Luca Nastchenko and Leo Nastchenko (sons of Olivia Cassidy and Nick Nastchenko) and Collins Cassidy (daughter of Hannah and Max Cassidy).

Family and friendship were most important to Marla. She called or texted her family regularly, often daily, to catch up on news and offer support. Marla formed deep, life-long friendships across the U.S. - in Pittsburgh, PA, Los Angeles, CA, Tucson, AZ, Lafayette, LA, Buffalo, NY, and Plano, TX - as the family moved frequently due to Paul’s executive positions in the radio and television industry.

Marla possessed a boundless work ethic combined with amazing energy and a zest for life. Until the weekend she passed away, Marla worked as a substitute teacher in the Plano Independent School District. This was just one of many jobs Marla held throughout her lifetime. She was a remarkable salesperson in the retail sector, earning top sales awards throughout her career. 

Marla’s life, however, was not all work. She traveled extensively with Paul and on her own. In more recent years, Marla joined her daughter Carolyn and her husband Zach with their daughters on visits to Spain, Japan and Italy.

A highly creative and skilled artist, Marla’s true passion was French flower beading. She designed and handcrafted a dazzling variety, over 200, of glass beaded flowers, from lilies, hyacinths, tulips, daffodils, Texas wildflowers to intricate succulent plants, along with novelty items such as Easter eggs and Christmas trees. Marla passed her expertise onto others, demonstrating the art on television stations and at clubs, centers and functions across the nation. Marla loved and excelled at teaching students flower beading for over 50 years.

A true extrovert, Marla could walk into a setting where she knew no one and, by the time she left, she had chatted with almost everyone, inquiring as to how they were doing and offering a smile or thoughtful comment in return. At her retirement community, Marla enjoyed conversing with fellow residents during happy hour, line dancing and singing in the talent show. 

Marla had a work ethic like no other, was generous in spirit and possessions, and built an incredible family full of values and love. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her. 

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Marlal’s life on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2700 West Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial donation in Marla’s name to the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to help those in need in the community. Visit https://setonparish.org/st-vincent-de-paul.