MARY EVELYN MABELITINI CASTO

Mary ‘Marie’ Casto passed peacefully into Heaven Nov. 11, 2022, at her home in Spotsylvania, Virginia.

Marie was born May 7, 1933, to Jack and Olivia Mabelitini, in Liggett, Kentucky, a small coal mining camp just outside of Harlan. She was predeceased in death by her husband of 63 years, Richard Lee Casto, grandsons Matthew Childrey, MD, Thomas Childrey, and her great-grandson Noah casto. She is survived by her daughters Lissa Childrey (Roy), Mary Lamp (Mike), son Brigadier General Richard Mark Casto (Kerin), daughter Cathy Snodgrass (Frank) and eight grandchildren.

Raised in a close-knit and hard-working family, Marie graduated high school from St. Camillus Academy, in Corbin, Kentucky, where she established many lifelong friends. In 1956, she met and married Richard Casto, a physical therapist and Korean War Army veteran. Together they raised their four children in Alpena, Michigan, Pineville, Kentucky, and Mims, Florida. Marie was the quintessential wife, mother, and homemaker. She loved cooking, was active in leading Girl Scouts, many school projects over the years, and most importantly, shared her love of Jesus by example in countless selfless acts of love and kindness to all.

It was during their time in Alpena that Marie, Richard, and their children found a home in the St. Anne Parish faith community, in which they were actively involved. The children were students in the parish school under the guidance of the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, who taught and helped form the children in the Catholic faith. Marie, then a homemaker, enjoyed reading and participated in the neighborhood book club. As the family grew, Marie became involved with the local Girl Scout Troop, in which her two oldest daughters were involved. Marie was the treasurer and annual “Cookie-Mom” for the troop. She enjoyed knitting and gardening. Marie had a deep faith life, and her rosary and her bible were always on her bed-side nightstand. Marie was a self-lifting, service-oriented person, who always put others’ needs before her own. She humbly helped others throughout her lifetime, and her example became the inspiration for her children and others who knew her.

Maire began her work life as a church secretary; outside of being a homemaker, she sold Avon beauty products, served as a school crossing guard, and finished her career with Brevard County School System as an elementary school cafeteria manager. In retirement, she and Richard traveled often and built memories. After the passing of her husband, Marie spent time with family, ultimately settling in the quiet countryside of northeastern Virginia.

She will be laid to rest with her husband, in Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims Florida, her home for nearly 46 years. Services will be Thursday, Dec. 15 at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hope for HIE, special needs children (hopeforhie.org) or Play 4 All Park, a special needs children’s park (play4allvacaville.org) are welcome.