The Rev. Polly Love McWilliams Kasey beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and Episcopal Priest, The Rev. Polly McWilliams Kasey died peacefully with her children and husband at her side at Keuka Comfort Care Home in Penn Yan, N.Y. on Friday, December 19, 2025.

Polly was born on November 17, 1946 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Her father was in the Air Force, so they moved often as Polly was growing up. Her fondest childhood memories were of four years in Madrid, Spain, followed by high school in Arlington, VA where she loved singing in the school chorus.

Polly was influenced by her Southern Baptist upbringing in a non-traditional way. She idolized her Aunt Polly, who mailed her Sunday School books from her missionary work in China and Thailand. As a young girl, instead of throwing tea parties for her dolls, she gave them communion. After earning her Bachelors in French at the University of Colorado, Polly pursued a Masters in Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. To be closer to family on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Polly took a job with the Social Security Administration in New Orleans in 1971. While in New Orleans, she attended Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral, sang in the choir, and helped lead their youth group. This strengthened her love for the Episcopal Church, and a call to pursue ministry within it. The Bishop of Louisiana opposed the ordination of women as priests, but recognized Polly’s gifts and respected her calling. He agreed to ordain her as a deacon, and find another bishop to ordain her as a priest. She enrolled in Seabury-Western in Evanston IL, the first woman from the Diocese of Louisiana to be approved for seminary. At Seabury Western she met Philip Kasey, and just before his graduation the following spring, they were married at the Seabury Western Chapel. The couple moved to New Jersey for Phil’s first assignment in Peapack-Gladstone, and Polly completed her degree at General Theological Seminary in Manhattan, where she earned her Masters of Divinity in 1981. She was called to Kent School in Connecticut, where she became the first female chaplain of an Episcopal boarding school in New England. Kent School eventually hired Phil as well. Working together became a 22 year solution to the challenge of being a clergy couple, which was not yet common in the Episcopal Church. During her time at Kent, Polly gave birth to a son Martin in 1984 and daughter Jordan in 1985. Polly and Phil were then called to a dual position as assistants at Christ Church in Short Hills, NJ, where Polly started two popular programs in line with her spiritual calling: a women’s group called Martha Martha, and an age-appropriate ministry for their preschool-aged children called Wee-Folk. In 1990 they were called to share the office of Rector at St. Elisabeth’s Episcopal Church in Glencoe IL, where they served for 14 years. Polly brought the programs of Martha Martha and Wee Folk, along with other ideas new and old to help people connect with their faith. Most notably, she installed a meditative walkable labyrinth on the church grounds, which has become a fixture of the Glencoe community. In 2004, Polly left St. Elizabeth’s when Phil was called to a parish in New Jersey. After several terms as an Interim Rector in the area, Polly retired from fulltime ministry in 2010 and moved up to their vacation home in Geneva NY. After some months of serving as a supply priest in the area, Trinity Episcopal Church in Seneca Falls asked her to stay on as their priest. Phil retired to join her, and joined the Trinity choir before finding his own part time parish the following year. After five years at Trinity, Polly felt the need to resign while pursuing a diagnosis for memory loss; but was convinced to lead services every other Sunday at Grace Church, Willowdale, a small country church near her house; whose congregants graciously helped her through the liturgy until COVID intervened. Polly’s life and commitment to her calling were marked by her gentle disposition and empathy for others, quick intelligence, a deep, inspiring spirit, and love of music. She lived out the rest of her days with Phil and their greyhound Shadow as a beloved member of Phil’s parish, St Luke’s, Branchport. Her astonishing wisdom, love, prayers, and humor continued to shine, accompanied by a smile that lit up a room and sparkling blue eyes, touching everyone who interacted with her. During her final years, Polly flourished in the kindness and care of Phil, her family, her neighborhood, and those who helped look after her. Polly was predeceased by her father Martin Cadenhead McWilliams and her mother Lucia Love McWilliams. Survivors include brother Martin C. McWilliams, Jr of Columbia SC, son Martin McWilliams Kasey of Seneca Falls NY, daughter Jordan Anne Kasey of Brooklyn NY and her partner David Miko, grandson Vincent Love Miko. And husband, The Rev. Philip Howerton Kasey, who gives thanks to Polly’s loving fellow care-givers Barbara, Amy, Millie and Janet.

The Rite of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m., Thursday January 15, 2026 at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, 121 West Lake Road Branchport, New York. The Right Rev’d Kara Wagner Sherer will preside. A reception will follow at the Season on Keuka Lake, 110 Mace Street Penn Yan, New York. Burial will be in Gloria’s Garden in the spring.

Memorial Contributions may be forwarded to Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church: Joanie Fund or the Alzheimer’s Association.