Doris G. Cassiday, Original Cofounder of Charter Oak State College in New Britain, CT and
Assistant Director, Academic Programs, died on February 7, 2015 at the River Glen Health
Care Center in Southbury, CT.
Born in Newburgh, New York, she lived most of her life in Connecticut and married Bruce
Cassiday, author of pulp fiction, suspense, Gothics, radio & TV dramas, as well as
ghostwritten biographies on detective, mystery and science fiction literature.
Earning the titles Club Woman of the Year and Mother of the Year, she also helped
write several books, including Careers in the Beauty Industry (1978). Since 2005 she wrote
book reviews for mysteries in translation for the newsletter Border Patrol published by the
North American branch of the International Association of Crime Writers.
Doris Cassiday was part of the AAUW effort to create Charter Oak State College
established in 1973, served as the first chairwoman of the Board for State Academic Awards,
and was the first president of the College's Foundation. In 2011, the Doris G. Cassiday Award
was named in her honor in recognition of her commitment to adult education. She was
presented an honorary PhD at the 2012 Charter Oak State College graduation.
She appreciated the arts and frequented Broadway plays in NYC. As a lover of horses
she developed a close kinship with them, marveling at their power and beauty (akin to her
own inner spirit). She attended horse racing events in California and NY. Also, Doris was an
avid fan of the UCONN basketball teams.
She is survived by her son Bryan, an author in Southern California, and her daughter
Cathy C. White, a graphic artist residing in Seymour, CT with husband Steven, their Sheltie
Kenzie, and two cats Keioko and Keira.

Memorials: Donations to the Charter Oak State College Foundation can be made in her memory.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Services: Private

Visitation: There are no calling hours.