Adelaide R. Cassens, a 17-year resident of Amityville, died at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset August 9, 2001. She was 84.

Mrs. Cassens was born in New York City July 16, 1917 and, was a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College. Prior to her marriage, she taught music at the Breeley School in Manhattan. She was the principal cellist for the Senior Pops Orchestra of Long Island. She also played with the Island Senior Symphony, and other local orchestras and groups.

Mrs. Cassens worked as a secretary for the General Presbytery of Long Island for many years.

Florence Specht of West Islip, a close friend and fellow musician of Mrs. Cassens’ said music was a very important part of her life.

"She was a gentle, lovable person; very considerate, kind and soft spoken," said Specht, who plays the Viola and performed with Mrs. Cassens. "She was always considerate of everyone an oh, how she loved to play that Cello."

Mrs. Cassens is survived by her daughters, Carol L. Fairbanks of Solvay, New York and Sandy Cassens, with whom she made her home. Her grandchildren, Charles (Chip) Fairbanks, Ann-Lynn Fairbanks and Kiah E. Fairbanks, all of Solvay, New York also survive her.

Her husband Charles, who was also a musician and often performed with his wife, predeceased her.

The Rev. William Younkins, summer interim pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Babylon where Mrs. Cassens had been a member for many years officiated at funeral services at the Powell Funeral Home, Broadway, Amityville on Monday, August 13. Members of the Senior Pops Orchestra provided music.

Private cremations services were held the following morning at the Long Island Cremation Company, West Babylon.