Ann Marie Cassella Baker

Ann Marie Cassella Baker, 84, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, surrounded by love.

Born on July 10, 1941, Ann was the beloved daughter of James Vincent Cassella Sr. and Marie (Purcell) Cassella.

A true pioneer in her field, Ann was the first casting director in New England. Over the course of her career, she contributed to the making of hundreds of films, commercials, industrial projects, and theater productions. Her keen eye for talent and deep understanding of storytelling left a lasting mark on the creative community. Alongside Scottie Held and Jack Neary, Ann helped bring Jack Neary’s play First Night to New York, where it was performed off-Broadway at the Westgate Theatre.

Ann loved the art of acting deeply and shared that passion by teaching acting for the camera at Boston Casting, the Wayland Council on Aging, and the public library. Playwright Jack Neary captured her spirit best: “Ann was an enthusiastic supporter of my work, and the work of many Boston theatre and film performers and producers. She was smart. She was tough. She was gentle. She was funny. And she was a great friend.”

Born in Wayland, Ann later made her home in Newton, where she raised her daughters. In time, she returned to Wayland, the town she loved, to spend the rest of her life in her hometown. She was an active member of the Democratic Party, a dedicated volunteer at the Wayland Transfer Station, and someone who found joy in gardening and in offering thoughtful, often candid, life advice to those around her.

Ann will be remembered for her strength, warmth, and the deep care she gave to the people in her life. She had a way of making others feel seen and valued, and her presence brought comfort and steadiness to those who knew her.

She is survived by her daughters: Lisa McDonough and her husband Nyal, and their sons Bryan and Michael; Samantha Newfield and her husband Keith, and their son Cooper; and Heather Baker, along with her family, Erika Apicella and Stephanie Jacobson Landon, and Heather’s sons, Philip Roland Dumont his wife Larissa  and James Vincent Dumont. She is also survived by her brothers, James Vincent Cassella Jr. and Sandra Cassella, and their children, Kameron Jean, Michael James, and Stephen James; and John Cassella and his wife Donna, and their children, Amanda Cassella and her husband Adam Bennett, and Alan Cassella She is also lovingly remembered by her great-nieces and great-nephews. 

She leaves behind a family and community who loved her deeply and will carry her memory forward with pride and gratitude.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity or Good Shepherd Hospice. You may also honor Ann’s memory by planting flowers or enjoying an evening of live theater.

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