Pearl Casey's Obituary
Pearl Frances Casey, ne’ Montreuil was the second of 5 children since deceased, of Francis and Albertine Montreuil. Pearl died Thursday, December 9, 2010. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, James “Jim” Casey. Pearl was born September 28, 1914 in Minneapolis, MN. Her fondest childhood memories involved adventures and innocent mischief with her lifelong girl friends, the Clix Club. Pearl’s artistic talent emerged in high school and was further honed at the Art Institute in Minneapolis. She continued to develop this talent throughout her life and was always happy with a sketch pad in hand. She met her husband Jim through his sisters during their childhood in Minneapolis. She was the love of his life and they were married September 17, 1938. Jim’s job with Western Electric resulted in their vagabond existence traversing the country, living in multiple states throughout the Midwest and California and ultimately settling in Georgia. Son Mike and daughter Ellen were born during two different transfers to Wichita, KS and daughters Pat and Molly were born in Minneapolis, MN after the family returned there following years of transfers. Pearl and Jim turned a tiny lake cottage in Wayzata, MN into the family home where the family enjoyed a plethora of summer and winter sports and activities. She had a knack for making every house a home where her children’s friends were always welcome. Pearl was the family raconteur and that skill coupled with a lively sense of humor enabled her to entertain family and friends with tales of their adventures, mishaps and travels. She met friends wherever she lived and cherished and maintained those friendships throughout her life. She remembered birthdays, special events and offered solace and support to her friends endearing her to everyone who met and knew her. Pearl devoted her life to her family, friends and volunteer work. She was an ardent volunteer for the American Red Cross beginning in her youth and continuing until she and her husband retired to North Georgia in 1976. She spent her Red Cross years ministering to veterans as a hospital volunteer. Her church was also the recipient of her volunteerism and she served on altar societies in various Catholic parishes. A lifelong avid reader and proponent of literacy, Pearl volunteered for Friends of the Library in Rabun Gap, GA. She also devoted much time and energy to the community organization serving low income residents in Rabun County, Sharing and Caring and volunteered for Hospice Rabun, the Hambidge Center and St. Helena’s Catholic Church as well. Her caring spirit was always felt by her family, friends and strangers alike. Pearl was an amazing woman of strength, class and character and was the foundation of the family. Her early years taught her independence, ingenuity and courage, all traits she exemplified throughout her life and taught to her 4 children. She was an exceptional role model for positive parenting blending her ability to provide structure with flexibility, humor and encouragement for her children to live a full life, seek an education and engage in meaningful work and volunteerism. Pearl’s elegance and class are well remembered by those who knew her. Her love of reading made her a formidable scrabble player and her natural intellect, keen sense of humor and common sense were readily apparent. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren knew her as “Erm” and each carry lively and loving memories of her. Pearl is survived by her son Michael Casey of Chicago, IL, daughter and son-in-law Ellen and Joseph Maknauskas of Smyrna, GA, daughter and son-in-law Patricia and Nicholas Poulos of Stockbridge, GA and daughter Molly Casey of Stockbridge, GA. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren who will miss their “Erm” and forever cherish her memory. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home, Atlanta, GA.
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