Margaret Casey Obituary

Mohawk - Margaret Casey, 93, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, at Valley Health Services in Herkimer, NY, with her loving family by her side. Born on December 7, 1931, in Vernon Center, NY, Margaret was the daughter of the late John and Myrtle (Salem) Black. She graduated from Cazenovia College with a degree in Business Administration and went on to work for many years as an administrative assistant in the Guidance Office at Mohawk Central School District, where she was known for her kindness, organization, and steady presence. Margaret was married to Howard Drumm until his passing, and later found love again with Donald Casey, whom she married and remained devoted to until his passing on July 29, 2021. Together, she and Don shared a passion for travel and belonged to a Model A Club, often taking scenic rides that ended with a comforting meal at Cracker Barrel. Margaret was a woman of many talents and joys. She had a deep love for gardening and planting flowers, and her creativity shone through in the beautiful ceramics she crafted, especially her beloved Christmas decorations, which she shared with friends and family. She also had a knack for wallpapering and, in her later years, enjoyed completing jigsaw puzzles with patience and joy. She especially loved her home on Walnut Street, where so many memories were made and shared with loved ones. She also had a deep love for music, especially Kenny Rogers. One of her favorite memories was attending one of his concerts and proudly keeping a signed golf ball from him. She often played his music while working around the house, and one lyric that always stayed close to her heart was: "You turned my life around." It reflected how deeply she appreciated the people in her life, and how she, in turn, changed the lives of others through her love, support, and unwavering presence. Family was at the heart of everything Margaret did. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend, and her home was filled with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible smell of her famous lasagna. She faced many joys and sorrows throughout her life but carried them with quiet grace, never fully healing from the profound loss of her daughter, Diane Drumm. In her final days, Margaret enjoyed her favorite simple meal: a hot dog and a cold lemonade, comforting and familiar, just like her presence in the lives of those who knew her. Margaret is survived by her two sons, David Drumm and his wife, Claudia of San Antonio, TX, and Jack Drumm and his companion, Anne Smullons of Cooperstown; three daughters, Jackie Murphy and her companion, Bruce Mundorff of Mohawk, Judy Nudo and her husband William of Herkimer, and Jan Nudo and her husband Robert of Gansevoort; her daughter-in-law, Theresa Casey of Mohawk; as well as several grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved her dearly. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Alice Stewart, age 99. Margaret and Alice shared a special bond and had a joyful FaceTime call just days before Margaret's passing, filled with laughter as they playfully compared hairstyles and agreed they weren't fans of the nursing home food. Margaret was predeceased by both of her husbands, Howard Drumm and Donald Casey; her son, Donald Casey; her daughter, Diane Drumm; her brother, Robert Black; her sister, Barb Black; and her brother-in-law, Bob Stewart. A graveside service will be held in September, with a date to be announced. In keeping with Margaret's wishes, there will be no public calling hours. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego Street, Ilion. The family would like to offer a special thank you to Kassie Lebert, Margaret's longtime nurse and advocate, for her exceptional care, compassion, and support over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to MOVAC (Mohawk Valley Ambulance Corps, Inc.), 15 NY-5S, Mohawk, NY 13407 To leave condolences for Margaret's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com