AUGUSTA – Agnes May Cassidy, a veteran of the United States Army, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at the age of 92, while in the care of the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta.

Agnes was born in Skowhegan on May 15, 1931, to Daniel E. and Odell (Thibodeau) Cassidy. The family moved to Portland before settling in Winslow in 1948. They owned and operated Cassidy’s Market on Augusta Road for many years. 

After graduating from Winslow High School in 1949, Agnes enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps for a tour of duty and studied to become a laboratory technician. She was stationed at hospitals in Colorado, Virginia, Texas, Europe, and Okinawa. Deservedly so, Fitzsimons General Hospital in Denver awarded her the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.

Agnes returned to the Northeast where she worked as a medical technician in New York. She continued her studies at Hudson River Valley Hospital in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., to become a registered Nurse, specializing in mental illness. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree. 

In 1960 Agnes was stationed at the 97th General Hospital (Army and Air Force) near Frankfurt, Germany. While there, Agnes discovered the sport of skiing. She introduced skiing to her brother, Daniel, and several of her nieces and nephews. She is, thankfully, responsible for creating a lifelong love of skiing for her family. Agnes also developed an interest in Volkswagen vans. After her return to the United States, with the help of family members stationed in Germany, she ordered and was shipped a VW camper in the early 1970s. Agnes traveled the country in the camper and shared her love of exploration with her nieces and nephews. She took them to many places including Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Canada. 

Proudly, Agnes served at mobile Army surgical hospitals during the Vietnam War where she earned the rank of Captain. She was honorably discharged in 1969 and returned to Winslow where she continued her nursing career working at Togus Hospital in Augusta and other area hospitals. She frequently volunteered to take weekend and holiday shifts so her colleagues could spend more time with their families.

Agnes was a devoted member of the Catholic Church. She worked to promote Catholic ideas and principles throughout her community. She regularly attended the Latin Mass at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Portland. Unfortunately, Agnes was not the most punctual and often had to race to Portland to be on time for mass. As a result, she received many speeding tickets in order to show her devotion to her faith!

After retirement, Agnes provided loving care to her mother, for which her family is very thankful. She also enjoyed spending time at her camp on Belgrade Lakes. 

Agnes was predeceased by her parents, Daniel E. and Odell, and her brothers Lionel and Francis. She is survived by her brother Daniel E. and his wife Jean (Mathieu) of Winslow, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Agnes’ family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta and Maine General Hospice for their exceptional kindness, comfort, and care.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Winslow at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. A burial with Military Honors will immediately follow at Saint Francis Cemetery in Waterville. 

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville.An online guestbook can be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Maine General Hospice, 10 Water Street, Suite 307, Waterville, ME 04901

(www.mainegeneral.org/hospice)

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