SCRANTON, Pa. — The former first lady of Pennsylvania has died.
Ellen Casey, the widow of Gov. Robert Casey and mother of U.S. Senator Bob Casey, passed away Friday in Scranton, according to Sen. Casey's office.
Ellen Casey served as first lady from 1987 to 1995 while her husband was governor.
The Caseys were married for 50 years and had eight children.
Ellen Casey was 91 years old.
The Casey family issued this statement Friday morning:
“Our mother, Ellen Harding Casey, died peacefully this morning at Regional Hospital, Scranton, after a brief illness. We are mourning the loss of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was the center of our family, and we are deeply saddened by this loss.”
U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, (D) 8th PA District, noted Casey's passing: "She was a credit to our area and our nation."
We spoke with two people close to the Casey family who shared their fond memories.
Monsignor Joseph Quinn has known the Casey family for decades and says Ellen was special.
"Unforgettable and singular in every way, and just filled with grace and graciousness and kindness that marked her life," said Monsignor Quinn.
The Casey family has spent decades in the spotlight, but for many, none of the attention changed who Ellen was.
"She never ever directed attention to yourself. It was always how are you? It was always asking about your well being. She was asking about your family, and she was as welcoming to neighbors and strangers as she was to the President of the United States," Quinn said.
"She's well known in Pennsylvania as our First Lady, but she's truly the matriarch of Northeastern Pennsylvania. For all of us. And there isn't a person who walked away from Ellen Casey not feeling better and proud of their community," said family friend, Virginia McGregor.
The Caseys raised 8 children in their home on North Washington Avenue and it was where Ellen spent her life, even after former Governor Casey passed away in 2000. Virginia McGregor grew up and still lives down the street from the Casey House and spent much of her childhood getting to know Ellen.
"The Casey household is where everyone went to play everyone gathered in the morning and pretty much ended their day because she was so welcoming and open," McGregor said.
Ellen Casey was committed to living her life with and for others, whether it was her family or the people of the Commonwealth. Those qualities are what made her a shining light to anyone she met.
"People will always, I think, remember her for being herself, not for trying to be famous, not trying to be outstanding, but she was outstanding. And she was famous simply because she was so kind and simple and everything she did," said Monsignor Quinn.
Funeral arrangements for Ellen Casey have not yet been announced.