Clarice M. Casassa

Rye Beach - Clarice M. Casassa of Rye Beach, New Hampshire passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025 at the age of 94. She was the beloved wife of H. Alfred Casassa for 68 years. Clarice was the devoted mother of Anne Ramsey (Bill) of Ridgewood, New Jersey and Rye Beach, New Hampshire, Robert Casassa (Sara) of Hampton, New Hampshire and Christine Thomson (Michael) of Hampton, New Hampshire, and proud grandmother of Elizabeth Ramsey, Matthew Casassa, Catherine Casassa and Will Thomson. Born to Francis R. Murphy and Clarice Gwynne Murphy in 1930 in Arlington, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of a proud Irish Catholic family. She was predeceased by her brothers Robert Murphy, Francis Murphy and Richard Murphy. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. Clarice was raised in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. She graduated from Deering High School in 1949 and Gorham State Teachers College (now part of the University of Maine system) in 1953. Clarice taught in the Wakefield, Massachusetts schools before marrying H. Alfred Casassa in 1956. She and Al resided in Hampton, New Hampshire where they raised their children. Upon moving to Hampton Clarice formed a bridge group that played together regularly for over fifty years. She was an active volunteer in the community, serving as President of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (OLMM) Women’s Club and she taught religious education classes at OLMM for many years. She was a volunteer for the Exeter Hospital Associates including serving as the Chair of the Exeter Hospital Fashion by the Sea gala. She loved to garden, was an excellent cook and enjoyed hosting family gatherings at the holidays. She and Al moved to Rye Beach, New Hampshire in 1986. Clarice was an avid golfer and longtime member of Abenaqui Country Club and Portsmouth Country Club where she played in the Ladies League every summer and formed lifelong friendships. Clarice was also a member of the Rye Beach Club for over fifty years. She is remembered by her husband, her children and her grandchildren for her kindness, support and determination. The family expresses its gratitude and appreciation to those involved with Clarice’s care. Funeral Mass Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11AM at St. Theresa Church, 820 Central Road, Rye Beach, New Hampshire. There are no visiting hours. Interment at the High Street Cemetery in Hampton, New Hampshire is private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clarice’s memory to the McDonough Golf Scholarship Foundation by clicking here or by mail to: The McDonough Scholarship Foundation 61 North Street Manchester, NH 03104

Clarice M. Casassa

September 9, 1930 - January 15, 2025