Ellen Casey Death and Obituary, What Happened to Ellen Casey? How Did Former Pa. First Lady Ellen Casey Die?
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Aug 13, 2023
Ellen Casey Death and Obituary
Ellen Casey, a cherished figure known as the mother of U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and the widow of the late Gov. Robert P. Casey, passed away after a short illness, as shared by her family on Friday. She had reached the age of 91. According to the statement issued by the Casey family, Mrs. Casey peacefully passed away at the Regional Hospital of Scranton.
"Our hearts are heavy as we remember the life of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother," the family's statement expressed. "Her presence was the heart of our family, and her departure leaves us profoundly saddened."
A native of Scranton, Ellen Harding, as she was known before her marriage, assumed the role of First Lady of Pennsylvania during her husband's tenure as governor, spanning from 1987 to 1995. She received her education at what is now Marywood University.
Throughout their union of nearly fifty years, Ellen and Governor Casey shared a life rich with love and devotion. Their marriage continued until Gov. Casey's passing in 2000, and the couple was blessed with eight children.
Leaders in the realm of politics have come forward to pay tribute to Mrs. Casey in recognition of her contributions. First Lady Lori Shapiro issued a heartfelt statement acknowledging the legacy of former First Lady Ellen Casey:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Casey Family as we bid farewell to First Lady Ellen Casey. She was an advocate for both our state and her cherished hometown of Scranton. Like Governor Casey, she incorporated family, health, and children into the fabric of her life's work. Her initiatives to raise awareness about breast cancer, literacy, and numerous other causes have positively impacted countless residents of Pennsylvania.
"We extend our gratitude to Ellen for her unwavering dedication to the people of our state. May her memory serve as a source of solace for her family and all of us who were touched by her devoted service."
Governor's orders have resulted in U.S. and Commonwealth flags being flown at half-staff on all Pennsylvania facilities, public buildings, and grounds to honor the legacy of Former First Lady Ellen Casey.
What Happened to Ellen Casey?
Ellen Casey, a dedicated advocate of literacy while embracing her roles as the unassuming Pennsylvania first lady and a devoted mother to eight children, peacefully passed away on Friday morning at Scranton Regional Hospital following a brief illness. She reached the age of 91.
Residing in Scranton, Casey was the beloved widow of former Gov. Robert P. Casey, whose passing occurred in May 2000. She was also the nurturing mother of U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and his three brothers - Christopher, Patrick, and Matthew, alongside four sisters - Margaret, Mary Ellen, Kate, and Erin. In a gesture of respect, Gov. Josh Shapiro has directed for flags to be lowered to half-staff on state edifices and premises.
"She held the title of the governor's spouse and the role of a U.S. senator's mother, yet one could spend extensive periods in her company without ever fully grasping these positions," recalled attorney Morey Myers, who served as Gov. Casey's legal counsel. "Her humility, blended with her gracious approach to her responsibilities, was nothing short of remarkable."
Myers recounted a time when he made an indirect reference to the governor's wife during a conversation. "I once mentioned to the governor, 'You have a hidden strength,'" Myers shared. "His response was, 'Yes, I'm aware of that.' We both understood that I was alluding to his wife." Within his book, "Fighting for Life," Gov. Casey affectionately referred to his spouse as "the most beautiful woman in the world."
Regarding her role, she candidly told an Associated Press journalist, "The beauty of this role is that you have the liberty to define it yourself. There's no predetermined mold for the first lady... and I believe you contribute as much as you possibly can. Yet, your priorities fall into place, and you eventually realize that your family is the utmost priority. Once their needs are met, everything else naturally falls into alignment."
How Did Former Pa. First Lady Ellen Casey Die?
Ellen Casey, the esteemed mother of U.S. Senator Bob Casey and the cherished widow of the late Gov. Robert P. Casey, has peacefully passed away after a brief illness, as confirmed by her family on Friday. She gracefully reached the age of 91. Mrs. Casey's journey ended at the Regional Hospital of Scranton, as shared in a statement released by the Casey family.
"Our hearts are heavy as we bid farewell to our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother," expressed the statement. "She held a special place at the heart of our family, and her departure leaves us profoundly saddened."
Hailing from Scranton, Ellen Harding, as she was once known, held the esteemed position of First Lady of Pennsylvania during her husband's governance from 1987 to 1995. She had pursued her education at what is presently Marywood University.
The union of Ellen and Gov. Casey was a steadfast one, lasting nearly half a century, until the time of Gov. Casey's passing in 2000. They were blessed with eight children who remain a testament to their enduring love.
In a poignant gesture of respect, various political leaders conveyed their tributes to Mrs. Casey during this time. Lori Shapiro, the First Lady of Pennsylvania, released a heartfelt statement commemorating the life of former First Lady Ellen Casey:
"As representatives of our extended family, Josh and I extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Casey Family upon the passing of the revered First Lady Ellen Casey.
"Ellen skillfully embodied the essence of the Commonwealth and her cherished hometown of Scranton. Much like Governor Casey, she placed immense value on family, health, and the well-being of children. Her efforts to heighten awareness about issues such as breast cancer and literacy have significantly improved the lives of countless Pennsylvanians.
"We remain indebted to Ellen for her unwavering dedication to the people of Pennsylvania. May her memory radiate as a source of solace for her family and all those who have benefited from her selfless service."
As a mark of solemn respect, the Governor has issued an order to have U.S. and Commonwealth flags lowered to half-staff across all Commonwealth facilities, public structures, and grounds in Pennsylvania to honor the memory of Former First Lady Ellen Casey.
Ellen Casey Death and Obituary - FAQs
Ellen Casey was the mother of U.S. Senator Bob Casey and the widow of the late Gov. Robert P. Casey.
Ellen Casey was 91 years old at the time of her passing.
Ellen Casey passed away at Regional Hospital of Scranton.
Ellen Casey served as the First Lady of Pennsylvania during her husband's administration from 1987 to 1995.
Ellen and Gov. Robert P. Casey had eight children.