Elizabeth "Liz" Casasent (Smith), of South Portland, Maine, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026. She was born on March 15, 1943, in Portland, Maine, to Percy "Red" Smith and Rosemary Smith.

Liz was raised in Cape Elizabeth and attended Holy Cross School, later graduating from Cape Elizabeth High School in 1961. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Boston University in 1965, beginning a lifelong dedication to teaching. Liz spent 37 years as a physical education teacher in the Woburn, Massachusetts school system, where she was widely known for her enthusiasm, kindness, and ability to encourage students of all abilities.

In 1978, Liz married Thomas Casasent. Tom grew up in Connecticut, attended Framingham University, and spent most of his career as an electrical engineer at Sylvania. Together, Liz and Tom made their home in Sudbury, Massachusetts, where they lived until 2002, before moving to West Bath, Maine. In 2012, they relocated to Englewood, Florida.

After the loss of her beloved husband, Liz returned to her home state of Maine, settling in South Portland at Sable Oaks Lodge. There, she was able to reconnect with high school friends, enjoy being closer to family, and form many new friendships. The warm, supportive community and her "queen bees" of  Sable Lodge became an important and joyful part of Liz's life during her final years.

Throughout their marriage, Liz and Tom shared a deep love of the ocean and boating. Over the years, they owned several boats, beginning on Lake Winnipesaukee and eventually cruising Boston Harbor and the New England coast, their final boat affectionately named Liza IV. Liz often joked that "the best day on the boat was the day we sold it," a remark that perfectly captured her humor and perspective, even as she treasured the memories made on the water.

Liz was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Casasent; her parents, Percy and Rosemary Smith; and her brothers John V. Smith of Standish and David E. Smith of Gorham. She is survived by her brother Donald F. Smith of Saco and Tavares, Florida; her sisters-in-law Laurel Smith and Karen Smith; as well as her beloved nieces and nephews Danielle Smith, Shawn Smith, Marc Smith, Christopher Smith, Ryan Smith, Emily Walters, and Kristin Blanchard, along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Liz will be remembered for her unwavering positivity, generosity, warmth, and deep love of friends and family. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome and valued, and her presence will be deeply missed by all

Catholic Mass and Celebration to be held Saturday, June 13th at 11am at St Mary's Church in Bath. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, 1121 14th Street NW, Suite 150, Washington, DC 20005.