Sophie M. Casement

Sophie M. Casement (nee Gortych)

9/27/19/18 – 10/21/2023

Husband : William S. (deceased March 2006)

Survived by 4 children: William J., Marianne J., Thomas F., James C.

7 grandchildren

Sophie was born and grew up in the S. Bronx, the youngest of 5 siblings. With a talent for

sports, she and her sister Mary would dominate the local basketball courts. Dancing,

especially polkas, complemented her Polish background. In addition, she had a great love of

all types of animals, spent many of her young days visiting the Bronx Zoo and also cared for

the various stray dogs her brother would bring home. As Sophie entered adulthood, she

found work at The Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. which provided a competitive sports outlet.

While there, she competed in Tennis, Softball, Basketball, and Skiing. Basketball would be of

special note, competing with other corporate teams. Various newspapers reporting on the

results of competition would point out Sophie as one of the star performers - so outstanding

that on 10/26/1988 Sophie was inducted into the MetLife Basketball Hall of Fame by the

renowned St. John’s basketball coach Lou Carnesseca. Her competiveness and abilities

were rewarded in other sports as well with trophies won in tennis and skiing. It was through

the MetLife Ski Club that Sophie met her husband-to-be William S. Casement.

In February of 1951, Sophie and Bill were married and she would settle into her most

important role as wife, mother, and housewife. Not divulging her competitive nature and

athletic prowess, her children and later grandchildren would come to know its presence.

Whether shooting baskets or playing a board game with “Mom”, your winning was not

guaranteed. In fact, if Sophie had an opportunity to win she would be sure to use it, no matter

the age/relation of the competitor - and no cheating allowed. Sophie managed to instill a

sense that one should perform to the best of one’s abilities, grades were not necessarily of

prime importance. Today, all four of her children have college and advanced degrees.

Sophie was versatile and acquiesced to her husband’s love of the outdoors. This lead to all

three boys in Boy Scouts, each achieving rank of Eagle and daughter in Girl Scouts.

Vacations were spent with weeks in rustic cabins and propane grills at various NYS Parks,

graduating to a six man tent and the grand 6 week trek to California and back in the summer

of1968 at 50 years of age.

Sophie and Bill were able to celebrate 50yrs of marriage in 2001 and with that the children

sent them on their life-long dream trip of a cruise and stay in Alaska. With retirement there

was no slowing down. Sophie and Bill joined the various retirement clubs, e.g. Golden Age

Club of Mineola. Dancing never left the picture as Sophie and Bill attended numerous

classes in Ball Room dancing. They were always on the go.

Following the passing of her beloved husband in 2006, Sophie remained in her home even

surviving Super Storm Sandy. But arthritis and old age eventually sent her into assisted living

at age of 96. There she continued to participate in and contribute to various activities, even

working with more senior residents and becoming a voice for facility residents. Her love of

animals never faded and she enjoyed visits from her son, daughter-in-law and most

importantly her son’s golden retriever, as well as facility visits of therapy dogs. Her impact on

the residents and staff was very positive. Residents could not believe her age and mentioned

they wanted to be like her. Staff mentioned how pleasant it was to assist her and in fact, one

nurse mentioned that Sophie very much reminded her of her grandmother. Sophie lived a

great life for 105 years.