In loving memory of

Margaret Mary Cassels
May 24, 1935 - November 1, 2019

Margaret M. Cassels, age 84, of Middletown, passed away on All Saints Day, at her home with her family.

Margaret was born in 1935, in Washington, DC, to Timothy Harrington and Helena (McElroy) Harrington.

Margaret is survived by her children; Helen Cassels, Christine Cassels and her spouse Andrea, all of Middletown, William of Delaware, Ohio, Peter and his wife Kathleen of Chelmsford, Kate and her husband Bill of Ashland, MA, Jerry Cassels and his wife Anne of Moretown, VT. She is also survived by her siblings; Peter Harrington, his wife Arlene, and Dr. Paul Harrington, and his wife Liz and her grandchildren Timothy, William, Peter Jr., Cathleen Margaret, Eamon, and Brennan. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Timothy Helena, sister Helen and brother Tim.

Margarets life was full of open hospitality and wry humor. She loved caring for her golden retrievers, namely, Maghee, Maghee 2 and Buddy, walking with them on the Cliff Walk and third beach. Lastly, she was a big fan of Frosty Freeze and Creamery coffee cabinets and a true lover of education and teaching. Margaret was a graduate of BayView Academy, Bryant College and RI College. She taught Business at Seekonk High School for 37 years and considered education to be one of the greatest gifts, both given and received.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, November 7, 2019, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway in Newport, RI. A mass Celebration of her life will be held on Friday, November 8, 2019, at 10 am in St. Marys Catholic Church in Newport. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket, RI. In lieu of flowers we ask that contributions be given to Visiting Nurse Home Hospice, in appreciation for the wonderful care provided over the last 6 months: VNHH, 1184 West Main Rd., Portsmouth or the Potter League.


Tributes

Donna L Aiossa-McNally wrote on Oct 25, 2023:

"I was just recently speaking of Peg. She had a profound influence in my graduating high school and introduced me to the rewards of helping others.. Teachers sometimes think that they don't make a difference and yet the footsteps I walk today are because of her. I'm so grateful for her influence and friendship. A life well lived is one where your name and fond memories are still on the lips of others. Rest in peace Peggy."

Lisa Roberts wrote on Nov 7, 2019:

"Aunt Peg will always be remembered for her wit and kindness. She really kept the extended family together planning family reunions. May she go join her brother, sister and parents in heaven. We will miss you. My sincere sympathy to all of the kids, my cousins as you move forward,"

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Nov 6, 2019:

"A Shades of Yellows Traditional Basket was sent by Sharon Powell, Raleigh, NC on November 6, 2019"

Deborah Zakowski wrote on Nov 6, 2019:

"She was a very good teacher who asked us to practice the sequence of keys with our right and left hands over and over again. I never thought I would make it through the class. The typing course that I enrolled in was a Business track which I thought was for Business students. I enrolled in her Typing I and II classes despite my anticipation of going to college. As it turned out, it was the best decision for me. All the lessons and drills with the timer have been so helpful throughout my life. . I remember her as a "matter of fact" teacher who taught the class in an orderly way. I'm glad to have remembered these memories from the past. I hope it helps her family to know that she was a very special teacher and I couldn't have made it through college without using my typing skills to write all the required papers. As I type now....I remember her and send her my gratitude. Rest in Peace, Mrs. Cassels"

Gladys Kinoian Lujan wrote on Nov 6, 2019:

"Peggy Harrington was one of my favorite fellow students at Bryant College. She had a wonderful wry sense of humor and an endearing personality. Please accept my deep condolences on the loss of your mother and grandmother.Gladys Kinoian Lujan"

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Nov 6, 2019:

"An Assorted Plant Basket was ordered on November 6, 2019"

Mary wrote on Nov 6, 2019:

"I also remember Mrs Cassels as the lovely lady who was so kind to all of us.. God bless her and my condolences to her family. She left such an impression on so many students at SHS"

Julie A. Bairos wrote on Nov 5, 2019:

"So sorry to hear about Mrs. Cassels. She was my Seekonk Jr. HIgh School teacher in seventh grade. I always remembered her as being so nice. Thanks to her I can type today. Bless her soul. Peace on your pathway.Julie A. BairosRumford, RI. Class of 1977"

Sandy Emond, Seekonk, ma wrote on Nov 5, 2019:

"Such a kind and nice lady. I enjoyed her class at SHS. Sincere sympathy to her family, thanks for sharing her with so many students."

Melissa Tavares wrote on Nov 5, 2019:

"I fell in love with my husband in Mrs.Cassels computer class at SHS 20 years ago. He wooed me with his typing skills. She was a kind person and a great teacher. We still often make fond references to this day. We are heartbroken for your family."

Ruth West wrote on Nov 5, 2019:

"Mrs Cassels was my typing teacher, she was a very nice lady. So sorry to the family for their loss"

Chris Gouveia Partington, SHS Class of 1974 wrote on Nov 5, 2019:

"Mrs. Cassels was my typing teacher. I can type 85 words per minute and had a stenographer job, all thanks to her! She was an awesome teacher! My sincere condolences to her family. May she Rest In Peace."