Obituary: Betty Jo “BJ” Cassidy

March 22, 1947 ~ September 19, 2022

Betty Jo “BJ” Cassidy died on September 19, 2022. BJ died while doing what she loved – being with her family.

She was born March 22, 1947 in Milwaukee, the daughter of the late Jack and Betty (Clark) Gustafson. BJ received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. On July 8, 1967, she married Thomas B. Cassidy in Milwaukee. Their daughter, Sara Jo, was born in 1974, followed by son, Thomas Jr., in 1978. Her beloved husband, Tom, passed away Oct. 4, 2009, after 42 years of marriage. As the years went on, BJ was lucky to have found a companion to share her love of life with, Bob Connolly. BJ and Bob had 10 years together bebopping around the country until his passing last year.

BJ was a teacher for a few years before taking a position with Wisconsin Public Service as Director of Education. BJ was a member of Jacksonport United Methodist Church, the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), the Door County Women’s Fund, and Rotary. Her lifelong commitment to education and volunteering was admired by all who knew her.

Along with her family, BJ enjoyed traveling. She especially loved the bicycle trips she took with friends over the years throughout the world, including Italy, Spain, Holland, and Slovakia. However far flung those trips took her, coming home to Clark Lake and being with her friends and family and beloved pets (Sail, Abby, Clark and Cody) was where her heart was. The amount of joy she brought to the people in her life is only equaled by the magnitude of this profound loss.

BJ will be missed by her two children, Sara Jo (Mark O’Brien) Cassidy of Florida, Tom (Amanda) Cassidy, Jr. of Hartford; two grandchildren, Thomas III and Isaac; three siblings, Jack Gustafson, Ron Gustafson, and Gail Jackson. She is also survived by Tom’s siblings, Jane Dicus, Joan (David) Kresl, and Robert (Kathy) Cassidy, Jr.

She was preceded in death by her beloved Tom; their parents; special friend, Bob; and an infinite amount of friends and family members.

A celebration of BJ’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Leistra officiating. She will be laid to rest in  Lakeview Cemetery in Jacksonport.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 30, 2022 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay and will continue at Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church, Saturday morning, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her name to the Door County Community Foundation.

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of BJ may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.