Cassell, Martha Sim

Martha Sim Cassell, 69, of Blacksburg, died Saturday, January 31, 2015, at Lewis Gale Hospital Montgomery. She was born October 19, 1945, in Lockport, N.Y., to the late Alan and Marian Fiedler Sim.

Raised in Meadville, Pa., she graduated from Meadville High School in 1963. She received her bachelor of science degree in nursing in 1967 from the University of Virginia, where she was the first woman to serve on the Student Council. As a pediatric nurse, she worked at the University of Virginia Hospital and then for the Children and Youth Project, providing medical care for families in rural areas.

In 1970, she married Dr. Stuart Kent Cassell Jr. and they returned to his hometown of Blacksburg to start the community’s first pediatric practice. She became a member of the Junior Women’s Club and after learning of the great need for foster care for children in crisis, she helped to found and was a longstanding member of the Board of Directors of The Shelter Home.

A founding member of St. Francis Anglican Church, she served on the Vestry, and was treasurer for many years. She was also a former member of the Board of Directors of the Smithfield-Preston Foundation.

Her lifelong interest in antiques led to many years of enjoyment as an antique dealer in the area.

She loved Blacksburg, her friends, and the Hokies. Her joyful spirit and kind heart will be missed by many.