Known as a true patriot and a staunch Republican, Marion F. Caswell spent most of her life giving to others.
From her time as a homemaker when she focused on raising her children to giving a helping hand at multiple churches in her retirement years, Mrs. Caswell had the heart of a volunteer.
Mrs. Caswell, of Yorktown, died peacefully on Oct. 8, 2015.
As a faithful Christian, many of Mrs. Caswell’s volunteer opportunities came from the church, according to her son, Paul. Mrs. Caswell was an active member and volunteer at Old South Presbyterian Church in Newburyport, Massachusetts as well as the United Church of Christ in Newport News and Yorktown Presbyterian Church.
Her work with the churches included visiting nursing home residents who were unable to get out on their own, known as “shut-ins,” Mr. Caswell said. She sat with them, spoke with them a while and prayed with them.
Mrs. Caswell shared a love of volunteer work with her late husband, George, according to their son. The Caswells were high school sweethearts, and during their 64 years of marriage they were dedicated to giving back to their community.
“They had free time on their hands and wanted to contribute,” Mr. Caswell said.
The Caswells were members of the American Legion, Mr. Caswell said, and visited the classrooms of elementary students to give presentations about the American flag. They explained the origin of the flag, its history and the meaning behind the pledge of allegiance.
Mrs. Caswell and her husband also enjoyed many activities in addition to volunteer work, Mr. Caswell said. The couple loved ballroom dancing and mall walking, among other activities.
While her husband worked as a school principal, Mrs. Caswell was a homemaker, Mr. Caswell said. Growing up, Mr. Caswell said he loved having his mother around.
“She was always there for us,” Mr. Caswell said. “If I could pick a mother, she would be the one I would pick.”
She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, George Caswell; son, Mark, of Derry, New Hampshire; son, John, of Leesburg; brother, Raymond Parsons, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; and parents, Earl and Florence Parsons, of Haverhill, Massachusetts.
Survivors include her son, Paul and his wife June, of Yorktown; grandson, Cory, of San Diego; brothers-in-law, Donald Caswell, of Smithfield, Maine and William, of Newburyport, Massachusetts; and daughter-in-law, Eilana Caswell, of Leesburg.
A private family memorial will be held on Plum Island in Massachusetts.
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Amanda Thames is the obituary writer for WYDaily. Reach her at 757-565-1079 ex. 222 or obits@wydaily.com.
