Dorothy J. "Dolly" Casey

Dorothy "Dolly" Casey, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, compassionate nurse, and faithful friend, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family after a long, courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She was 75 years old.

Born on August 29, 1950, in Watertown, Massachusetts, Dorothy was the beloved daughter of the late Philip and Ethel Jones. She was raised in Newton, Massachusetts, where she developed the caring spirit and quiet strength that would define her life.

Dolly was the beloved wife and soulmate of Len Casey, whom she married on January 22, 1970. Their love story began as neighbors on Bonmar Circle in Newton, where Dolly caught the eye of the boy next door. After a whirlwind courtship, they married and spent more than 56 wonderful years building a life centered on love, laughter, faith, and family. Their marriage was a beautiful example of unconditional love, mutual devotion, and unwavering partnership.

At just 19 years old, Dolly earned her Registered Nurse degree from Newton Junior College in Newton, MA becoming, according to her dean, the youngest registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at that time. Nursing was more than a profession—it was her calling. Her gentle compassion, calming presence, and remarkable knowledge comforted countless patients, friends, and family members throughout her life. To those who loved her, she would always be the nurse they called first, offering reassurance, wisdom, and heartfelt care. Dolly’s career spanned over forty-five years, starting in a hospital setting, including the emergency department in Waltham Hospital, to her decades practicing as a pediatric nurse in doctors’ offices. She worked for several years at Pediatric Associates of Norwood and Franklin, where her children and eventually many of her grandchildren were patients. Dolly ended her nursing journey with Harvard Vanguard in West Roxbury, after twenty plus years caring for children and adolescents and earning well-deserved accolades for being a beloved and cherished colleague, nurse and friend.

Family was the center of Dolly's world. She is survived by her devoted husband Len, and her loving daughters, Lauri O'Grady and her husband, Kevin of Norton, Allison Frigon and her husband, Brian of Franklin, and Jeanne-Marie Drugan and her husband Peter of North Attleboro. She was the incredibly proud grandmother of Andrew, Alex, Abby, and Adam Frigon; Aidan, Ryan, and Cailin O'Grady; and Christopher Drugan, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life. Her happiest moments were spent making memories with her grandchildren, especially during treasured family weekends on Cape Cod.

Dorothy is also survived by her sisters, Deborah Miller and her husband, Jim of Plainville, and Beverly Arsenault and her husband, Joseph of Stoughton, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who were blessed to know her.

In addition to her parents Philip and Ethel Jones, she is predeceased by her brothers Philip Jones, Jr. and Robert Jones.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Thursday August 13th, at 9AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Franklin at 10AM. To view the Mass stmarysfranklin.org 

Burial will follow at the parish cemetery.

Calling hours are Wednesday Aug. 12th, from 4-7PM.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Dolly Casey to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteP.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift