Norine T. Casey
In the new year, let's look back at a notable Arlington resident whose passing YourArlington overlooked.
Norine Theresa Casey, 92, formerly of Arlington and Dennis, died Oct. 29 at Brookhaven at Lexington. She is remembered for the role she played in The Bartlett School, a private grade school her mother founded in their family home on Bartlett Avenue in Arlington.
In Legendary Locals of Arlington by Marjorie Howard and Barbara Goodman, the authors wrote: "In 1933, Noreen D. Casey's husband stopped to help someone change a tire, and he was hit by a car and badly injured.
"Realizing her husband would be unable to work, Casey, the mother of four, started a school at 34 Bartlett Ave., transforming the two-family residence into a home on one side and a school on the other. The Bartlett School was at that location until 1978, when Casey's daughter, Noreen T. Casey, moved it to Winchester. The younger Casey became principal, retiring in 2000.
"Both mother and daughter were outgoing and energetic teachers. Since retiring, Noreen D. Casey has traveled around the world."
A photo in the 2015 book published by Arcadia shows Casey with brothers Albert and John, both of whom headed major airlines.
Obituary details
A Keefe Funeral Home obituary describes Norine "as a beloved sister, aunt, colleague and dear friend to all who had the good fortune to be part of her life."
Born Sept. 29, 1928 in Arlington, she was the daughter of the late Norine Doyle Casey and John Joseph Casey.
She graduated from Wellesley College ('49) and received her master's degree in teaching at Radcliffe ('51).
In her early years, she worked at the biology lab at Wellesley College and then became a teacher at The Bartlett School. When her mother retired, Norine took over as principal of the school and later moved it to a public school building in Winchester. She loved working with the teachers and children. She was also the French and music teacher.
She played the guitar and had a beautiful singing voice, later joining the choirs at St. Eulalia's Parish in Winchester and at Brookhaven at Lexington. She also volunteered at the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
An avid supporter of animal causes, Norine cherished her pet cats over the years.
An adventurous soul, she enjoyed traveling the world, meeting new people and learning about their cultures.
Miss Casey was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, John J. Casey and Albert V. Casey; sister, Eve C. Carey; and nephews, David Carey, Peter Carey and Peter Casey.
She is survived by her nieces and nephews including, John and Fran Casey, David Casey and Diana Turner, and Mary Casey, all of Dallas, Texas; Janet Casey and Neal Todrys of Medfield, Mass.; Norine Carey of Naples, Fla.; Eva Carey and Ron Dailey of Seattle, Wash.; Caroline Carey and Jim Langan of Rhinebeck, N.Y.; Judy Casey of Palm Desert, Calif.; Susan Carey of Winter Park, Fla.; and many grandnieces and nephews.
Donations may be offered to a charity of your choice or the Wellesley College Student Aid Society here >> A private graveside service was held at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Roslindale, Mass., on Nov. 4.
Dec. 9, 2020: Eldest resident spurs recognition, chuckles
This news summary was published Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.
