Biography

Suzanne Martin Casey, 82, a life-long resident of Peoria, passed away at her home in Peoria on Saturday, June 12th, 2010, surrounded by her beloved children and friends.
Born Suzanne Walker Martin on August 14th 1927, in Peoria, to John Edward Martin and Lucille Walker Martin, Suzanne graduated from Peoria High School in 1945 and from Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri, in 1949. She married Paul S. Casey, Jr., of Peoria, on November 30th, 1949. Suzanne’s husband preceded her in death, on December 22nd 2004, and her brother, Jack Martin of Los Angeles California, passed away on August 12th, 1978. Suzanne is survived by a daughter, Anne Casey of Urbana, Illinois, a son, John Shepard Casey of Baltimore, Maryland, and two granddaughters, Sonja Elder and Ryann Elder. Also surviving Suzanne are her sister-in-law Frances Martin, of Los Angeles, California, and Suzanne’s nephew, Robert Martin of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Affectionately known as Suzi to her legion of friends, Suzanne was a leading figure in the founding of Peoria’s Lakeview Museum. She served as the president of the Junior League of Peoria for two years in the early 1960s and later spent time on the boards of the Children’s Home, the Girl Scouts, the Women’s Civic Federation, and Neighborhood House. She was named “Volunteer of the Year” in 1965 for her tireless charitable work and contributions. Suzanne enjoyed golf and tennis and she was an avid bridge player who played bridge regularly with friends she had had for over seventy years. She had a keen eye for home decorating and loved the arts of interior design and cooking.
Suzanne was a lifetime member of the First Federated Church of Peoria and attended services there regularly. She and her husband were the first couple to be married in the church. Services will be held at First Federated Church, 3601 N. Sheridan Road, on Friday, June 18th at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the church.
Charitable contributions can be made in memory of Suzi Casey to Harbor Lights Hospice or to the Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter (PAWS), two organizations that brought great comfort and joy to her.