Joan A. Cassidy

ALBANY - It is in a spirit of gratefulness for the gift of having had our Mother with us for over 94 years, combined with the deep sadness of losing her, that the family of Joan Maher Cassidy announces her passing on October 9, 2024.

Joan was the devoted wife of 52 years to Cy Cassidy, who predeceased her in  2002. She was the loving and cherished Mother to Peg Brearton (Jim), Lynn Overacker (Jim), Terry Cassidy (Peg), Maureen McCarthy, Kelly Wetherbee (Jeff) and Kevin Cassidy (Robin). Joan was predeceased by her son-in-law Bill McCarthy Sr.  Joan was the adored Nana to ten grandchildren, Jessica Brearton, Jim (Nadia) Brearton, Meghan (Kristin) Alonzo, Kate (Christian) Jackstadt, Michael (Shanna) Cassidy, Daniel Cassidy, Bill (Mary) McCarthy, John McCarthy, Emma Maher Wetherbee, and Kevin (Rachel) Cassidy; and treasured great-Nana to fourteen great-grandchildren Thomas Brearton, Darcy Joan Brearton, Abby and Paul Winaroski, Kiernan Alonzo, Tessa and Charlotte Jackstadt, Michael, Patrick, and Teddy Cassidy, Will McCarthy III, Paige and Kellan Egan, and Maeve Cassidy. She was the matriarch to one of the many large Irish Catholic families in the St. James Parish in Albany.

Joan’s first priority and single focus was her husband and family. Nana never missed any one of the hundreds of birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, sporting events of all of her “kids” and “grandkids” - quite a balancing act! Holidays at Nana and Papa’s home were second to none. The love, thoughtfulness and hard work that went into each of the large celebrations was a manifestation of Joan’s devotion to her family. The door was always open for all relatives, friends, and neighbors to join in on the Cassidy holidays.

Friendships ran very deep with Joan - most of which went back to her early childhood. In later years, she returned to the workforce and created many new friendships. Due to her dedication, intelligence, and hard work she became the Special Assistant to the Commissioner of the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission for over 20 years. Joan was a graduate of the Academy of Holy Names where she excelled as a student and a pianist. She then went on to attend and graduate from Mildred Elley Business School. She was a lifelong member of St. James (now St. Francis of Assisi) Church in Albany. She was a member of their Rosary Society and PTA, and a member of the Whitehall Little League. Joan’s knowledge of local, state, and national politics was in a class of its own. She was extremely well versed in the politicians, the issues and the politics of the day. She was a member of the Women’s Democratic Club of Albany.

Along with a deep interest in politics, Joan’s other interests included traveling to New York City and  Boston,  horse racing in Saratoga, vacationing in Cape Cod, and attending Broadway plays. She was also an avid sports fan - she especially enjoyed watching the NY Yankees, Green Bay Packers, and PGA golf on television, in particular her favorite golfer, Rory McIlroy.

Joan was an extremely generous person demonstrated by the large volume of solicitations which filled up her mailbox each day. They had her number! Whether it was a request from The City Mission in Albany, or any number of animal charities, she always gave. A life-long lover of dogs, Joan became a cat owner after the passing of her husband. Boots and Finn, her two black cats, were always by her side for the entirety of their long and very pampered lives.

A woman of faith, grace, and beauty, Joan was also the best listener, and once an issue was shared with her, it went into the Nana “vault” never breaking a confidence. On the other hand, when non-confidential family information was shared with her, she was sure to inform all other members of the family - Nana was “the source.”

Joan grew up the only child of Peg (McDermott) and Bill Maher, and she leaves the family she created of nearly 40 - children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and in-laws. We know that we have been blessed to have had her with us for 94 years.

We would like to thank the hospice workers and aides who assisted Joan and her family in the final chapter of her life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, October 15th at 11am at St. Francis of Assisi (formally St. James Church), 391 Delaware Ave., Albany, NY 12209. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. Francis of Assisi parish in Albany, or The Community Hospice. Arrangements by Daniel Keenan Funeral Home. Condolences can be posted at danielkeenanfuneralhome.com.