Mary Alice “Allie” (Mackey) Casazza, 107, oldest resident of Tewksbury, MA, died on August 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on August 15, 1919, in Medford, MA, to Jeremiah and Alice (Colbert) Mackey. In 1943 she married the love of her life Francis “Frank” Casazza. They first moved to Arlington, where they raised their 4 daughters, before moving back to Tewksbury.
Allie lived a long life rooted in her motto, “Faith, Family, and Friends,” a simple expression that reflected the values named by those who knew her.
She graduated from Tewksbury High School in 1936 and completed the Tewksbury State Hospital LPN program in 1938. Later in life, after losing her husband suddenly in 1971, she got her driver’s license and began working in the Treasurer’s Office for the Town of Tewksbury, until her retirement.
Allie was a devout Catholic. She attended Mass daily until she could no longer drive herself, after which she continued to watch Mass daily on television and pray the rosary. Her faith was a steady and enduring part of her life.
She also gave generously of her time to the community. Her volunteer work included the Red Cross Blood Bank, the Tewksbury Senior Center, the Tewksbury Food Pantry, St. William’s Sodality, and served as an Election Worker and Election Precinct Warden. In each of these roles, she remained connected to the town she called home and to the people and organizations she supported over many years. She also received the Boston Post Cane for the Town of Tewksbury for living to 100 years of age.
Among her personal joys was traveling with her sisters, affectionately known as “The Mackey Girls.” Those trips and shared times were part of the family life she treasured.
Allie is survived by her daughters Mary Alice Knapp of Monroe, CT, Patricia Riordan of Waltham, MA, Jeanne Morin of Plymouth, MA, and Joanne (Andrew) Piazza of Nashua, NH. She is also survived by her sister, Rita O’Brien Dee, and her brother, James (Carol) Mackey of Tewksbury. She leaves numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband Frank, she was predeceased by her son-in laws, Raymond “Ray” Knapp, Robert “Bob” Morin, and Jeremiah “Jerry” Riordan, grandchildren Susan Knapp AlMounayer and Michael Morin. Her siblings Joseph Mackey, Ellen “Peg” Keefe, Theresa “Tess” Berube, Richard “Dick” Mackey, Edward “Ned” Mackey.
“Allie” will be remembered for a life that spanned more than a century and remained closely tied to Tewksbury, to her Catholic faith, to public service, and to the people who shared in her family circle and community life. Her long years were marked by constancy in worship, dedication in service, and enjoyment of time spent with her family and friends. Her motto, “Faith, Family, and Friends,” endures as a fitting summary of the life she lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to: "Rita O'Brien Dee Center for Behavioral Health" note the fund on memo line of checks to Community Teamwork, 155 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA 01852; https://donate.onecause.com/supportcti and select "Rita O'Brien Dee Center for Behavioral Health."
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Farmer & Dee Funeral Home 16 Lee St, Tewksbury. Her funeral procession will begin on Wednesday, September 9th, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 AM at St. William's of York Catholic Church, 1351 Main St, Tewksbury. Services will conclude with interment at Tewksbury Cemetery, 172 East Street, Tewksbury.