Kathleen "Casey" Marie DeSouza, of Leesburg, VA passed away peacefully in her sleep, early in the morning on January 3, 2021. She was 59 years old.

Casey is survived by her husband, Nelson DeSouza; her children, Anna Want of Round Hill, VA and Kathleen Henley of Leesburg, VA; her three, and soon to be four, grandchildren; and her eight surviving siblings. She is preceded in death by her sister Patricia Jarosz, brother Michael O'Donnell, sister-in-law Wendy O'Donnell, and her parents, Anna Marie and Charles Francis O'Donnell of Providence, RI.

Casey was born on June 2 ^nd , 1961 in Virginia to Anna and Charles O'Donnell.  Her father being a lieutenant colonel in the US Air Force, she, her parents, and her ten siblings called many places home, eventually settling on Northern Virginia, where Casey ended up spending the majority of her adult life.  She graduated from Oakton High School in Vienna VA, and would go on to work as an administrative assistant in many roles before founding DeSouza Construction Company in 1985 with her husband Nelson, whom she wed in same year. During the 19 years of the business' operation, Casey was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and in her strength and conviction to not let the disease impede her lifestyle, Casey persevered with grace and strength, working tirelessly to support the family business, raise her daughters, and grow innumerable friendships with friends and family near and far.  She lived 23 years with MS, and in 2017, Casey was diagnosed with breast cancer. Once again Casey's resolve and courage overpowered her obstacles, and she was declared cancer free less than a year later.

Casey and Nelson sold the construction business in 2004, and in 2007, with their daughters Anna and Katie, Casey and Nelson created Casanel Vineyards & Winery in Leesburg, VA, the name being a blend of the names Casey and Nelson, who spent 36 years building their businesses from scratch, and were able to bring their family together to grow grapes, produce wine, and share in their passion and love for life.  Later in her life, Casey's pride and joy was her grandchildren, with whom she spent nearly every day in her dream home on the farm.  Casey brought love, joy and compassion to every situation in her life, always thinking of others before herself, while imparting a personal touch of love and empathy in the lives of everyone who knew her.  She will be remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother, sister, and grandmother.

Memorial services are currently being planned.  To stay up to date with our memorial service schedule, please visit www.casanelvineyards.com or contact the family directly.  In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations to the National MS Society be made in Casey's name.