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.
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Noeleen Finucane (nee Doherty) says
February 4, 2025 at 5:55 pmSincere condolences to Ellen, Thomas and Colleen on the sad passing of your lovely mum Charlotte. She was a beautiful, smart and energetic lady and a wonderful conversationalist. Always proud of her Irish heritage and so welcoming to her Irish visitors. Her generosity and warmth was her legacy. May she rest in eternal peace with her beloved Tom. Thinking of all the family at this sad and difficult time.
Michael Doherty says
February 6, 2025 at 7:49 amWhat a great lady. She was always so nice and welcoming to us when we visited herself and Tom in Bronxville. Charlotte was always so positive and proactive. May she Rest in Peace.
Bill Mc says
February 6, 2025 at 12:30 pmCharlotte was my guidance counselor, 1975. She was upbeat and gave honest advice, it was great. Years later I needed a high schooler to intern in our office in Hawthorne. Took a chance, called Charlotte and we got a great student to assist us. About 20 years later that same student, now married with kids, came back to work with us and she still works with us today! Thank you Charlotte, you assisted us in the 70s and well beyond, even today. Your impact was well received and truly respected.
Bill McCarthy, Hawthorne NY
Tim, Helen & O Leary family says
February 6, 2025 at 5:53 pmJust heard the sad news of Charlotte’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to Ellen-Marie, Tommy & Colleen on your loss. Many years ago Charlotte and Tom welcomed me into their home when I arrived from Ireland. Charlotte was so kind, decent and loving to me and always full of fun. I saw first hand her love and pride of Ellen-Marie, Tommy and Colleen.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Rest in peace Charlotte
Tim, Helen & O’Leary family, Wicklow, Ireland
Eileen Doherty (nee Duff) says
February 7, 2025 at 10:38 amSo sorry to hear of my cousin Charlotte’s passing. We used to love her visits to Dublin. May she Rest in Peace. From her loving cousins Eileen, Kathleen, Maureen of the Duff family.
Caitriona Harley says
February 11, 2025 at 3:27 pmMy deepest heartfelt condolences of the passing of your Mother! I will always cherish the fond memories and road trips with all of us in The Little Gaelic Singers. May she rest peacefully xo