Sallye Casey

Age 90, passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus Christ on December 30, 2024, surrounded by her entire family at her home of nearly 60 years in Winter Park, Florida.

She was born on August 14, 1934, in Miami, Florida, to her mother, Leona Pearce Senerchia, and her father, Chelsie J. Senerchia. Her birth occurred during the depths of the Great Depression, yet her father often said her arrival marked the beginning of many good things for our family— a sentiment that remained true through her life and continues today.

Sallye grew up in Miami, where she excelled as a student at Corpus Christi Catholic School and later at Miami Edison Senior High School, earning various awards. She served as Captain of her high school’s Marching Cadet Corps, performing in halftime shows and leading the Cadets in Miami parades, where her father, the Mayor of Miami at the time, proudly watched on.

She went on to attend Duke University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. During her time at Duke, she held leadership roles in her Alpha Delta Pi sorority and ultimately served as the Panhellenic president for all Duke University sororities. A lifelong Duke Blue Devils fan, Sallye later became a season ticket holder and enthusiastic supporter of the UCF Knights, her home team. The sports page was always the first section of the newspaper she read every day.

Sallye, her husband Dr. Charlie Fitzgerald, Jr. and three children moved to Winter Park in 1966. Here Sallye would remain for the rest of her life, raising her family and serving the community. Most recently, she served for several years as a lay minister with the Catholic Church, bringing communion to the sick at Winter Park Memorial Hospital.

Sallye was remarkable, loved, and adored. She had a gift for hospitality, hosting many activities in her home over the years and especially all our cherished family holiday gatherings. With a wonderful sense of humor, she brought laughter and joy to those around her. A lover of nature, Sallye often paused to marvel and bring to our attention God’s creation. She was also a wise steward of her resources, living a life of gratefulness and contentment. Whether with family, friends, those she served in the Catholic community or strangers passing by, she brought sunshine to everyone she met.

A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Sallye’s faith was the foundation of her life. She lived as a peacemaker, an encourager, and a role model. Her career as an elementary school teacher, mostly at Princeton Elementary in Orlando, enriched her role as a loving mother and wise counselor, and her guidance was a blessing to all who sought her advice. As a result, she was a second mother to many friends. As a leader, Sallye inspired others through her integrity, humility, and work ethic.

Sallye never sought recognition for herself, always redirecting praise to God. She routinely credited God’s grace and goodness during life’s joyous peaks and most difficult valleys. Her life was a living testament to her faith, and her legacy of love and service will continue to inspire everyone who knew her.

Though deeply missed, Sallye’s memory will live on in the hearts of her loved ones and the countless lives she touched.

Sallye is survived by her sister, Carol Senerchia, of Hendersonville, NC, and her three children: Charlie Fitzgerald III (Lisa), Lee Ann DiLoreto (Andy), and Sallye Holler (Roger III). She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Charlie Fitzgerald IV (Erin), Sarah Phillips (Jake), Casey Fitzgerald (Becca), Nicole Dodd (Dan), Natalie Burger (Lance), Noelle DiLoreto, Chelsie Pickett (Jonathan), Roger Holler IV (Sara), Alec Holler (Ashleigh), and Max Holler (Laurynn), as well as 8 great-grandchildren: Miles Phillips, Warren Phillips, Jack Phillips, Drew Dodd, Collins Burger, J.R. Pickett, Juliana Pickett, and Levi Pickett.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 20 years, Gene Casey, who passed away in 2002, and her first husband and father of her children, Dr. Charlie Fitzgerald Jr., who passed away in 2011.

Sallye’s Funeral Mass will be held at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park, on Friday, January 3, at 10:30 AM, with a reception immediately following at the Winter Park Racquet Club, 2111 Via Tuscany.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church directed specifically to the School in Haiti in memory of Sallye.

Her life Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.”