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Janice “Jan” Marie Castorina
09/06/1953 — 04/27/2013
From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in Kennewick, WA
Janice “Jan” Marie Castorina
Jan Castorina 9/6/1953 - 4/27/2013
Our precious Jan left to be with our Good Lord and the rest of His Angels on April 27, 2013, after a truly inspirational battle with cancer. Even to the very end she was always concerned with the welfare of her family and friends above herself. She was 59 when she passed away at home in Kennewick with her family at her side.
Jan grew up in Benton City before moving to Kennewick in her sophomore year of High School; she remained in Kennewick until her passing. She graduated from Kennewick High School in 1971 and afterward worked there for a couple years as an EA. Later, she received an AA degree from CBC. After taking some time off to care for her first son, Ryan, she went to work at Richland High School in the bookkeeping office where she continued to work until this last December.
In the summer of 1978, Jan went on a chance blind date where she met Nick who became the love of her life and closest companion. Jan and Nick were married on August 2, 1980 and have remained deeply in love ever since. Nine years after their marriage, Jan and Nick were again blessed when she gave birth to her second son, Nicholas. Jan was passionately devoted to her immediate and extended family and worked tirelessly to put on numerous family gatherings throughout each and every year. Jan was a "mom to all'; she loved each and every one of her sons' friends and it was obvious they all felt at home around her. Many of Jan's happiest moments came from preparing for the many parties that the boys had. She delighted in listening to everyone's laughter throughout the night. She was an absolutely amazing and meticulous cook and could remember what each person liked and how each and every person liked their food prepared.
Jan treasured the many lifelong friends she made at RHS and her work with "SUN" in putting together social events for staff and serving others at those events. She particularly relished her gatherings with the "Lunch Bunch" and her after-work happy hour "business meetings" with the gals.
Jan found great solace in her hikes up Badger Mountain. Following her initial diagnosis and chemo/radiation treatments 2007/08, she would defy her condition and hike the mountain. She truly was an inspiration to all and had a smile that came from her heart, a smile that those around her could not help but feel. In the words of one of her closest friends, Jan was a model of grace, beauty, and dignity. Jan is preceded in her death by her parents, Thelma and Johnny Johnson and her older sister, Vicki Pearl, that died in 1950 at age 5. She is survived in her death by her loving husband, Nick Castorina, sons Ryan Castorina-Rose and Nicholas Castorina, her brother, Kim Johnson, and sister-in-law, Trish Johnson, and her sister, Pam Kimbrough and brother-in-law, Bob Kimbrough.
A celebration of Jan's wonderful life will be held at the Cathedral of Joy in Richland, WA on May 8th at 2:00pm. Please express your thoughts and memories in the online Guest Book at www.einansfuneralhome.com.
To Nick, sons, and family: I’m so sorry to hear about Jan. She was always so friendly and nice when she stopped by the office. I pray the Lord will comfort you during this time and give you sweet peace in the knowledge that you will see her again.
I have know Jannie for a long time. I was Nick and Jannie’s neighbor a long time ago. I remember her as a very sweet young lady and so in love with Nick. Also remember her working at “Dog and Suds” in Pasco when in high school. I am saddened by her death, but know she is in a better place and no longer in pain.
To my dear cousin Nick,
My thoughts are with you and your two beautiful sons, Ryan and Nicholas. Jan was so beautiful and special. I still remember the story of “the booties” she greeted you at the door with over 22 years ago. She made lifetime memories for all who knew her. Maria
Another angel has joined our Lord to look over her family and friends. Jan was one of the most beautiful people, both inside and out, that we have had the pleasure of knowing. God be with her family and friends who will miss her so very much.
For Nick, Ryan, Nicholas,and Jan. Thank you for all the memories we have had with each and everyone one of you.We love you and are so sorry for your beloved loss. We’ll will always be there for each and everyone. Our prayers and heart felt sympathy are with you. May God’s Love be with you.
To Nick, sons, and family: I’m so sorry to hear about Jan. She was always so friendly and nice when she stopped by the office. I pray the Lord will comfort you during this time and give you sweet peace in the knowledge that you will see her again.
I have know Jannie for a long time. I was Nick and Jannie’s neighbor a long time ago. I remember her as a very sweet young lady and so in love with Nick. Also remember her working at “Dog and Suds” in Pasco when in high school. I am saddened by her death, but know she is in a better place and no longer in pain.
To my dear cousin Nick,
My thoughts are with you and your two beautiful sons, Ryan and Nicholas. Jan was so beautiful and special. I still remember the story of “the booties” she greeted you at the door with over 22 years ago. She made lifetime memories for all who knew her. Maria
Another angel has joined our Lord to look over her family and friends. Jan was one of the most beautiful people, both inside and out, that we have had the pleasure of knowing. God be with her family and friends who will miss her so very much.
For Nick, Ryan, Nicholas,and Jan. Thank you for all the memories we have had with each and everyone one of you.We love you and are so sorry for your beloved loss. We’ll will always be there for each and everyone. Our prayers and heart felt sympathy are with you. May God’s Love be with you.
I have so many great memories of Jan after working with her for over 20 years. The one that has been in my mind has been her never failing smile. She was always caring and concerned for others and was truly a fighter and hard worker. She will be truly missed and always remembered with love. I will have a Margarita for her. Billy and I love you Nick.
cant help but cry uncontrollably reading a obituary for Jan…Although we haven’t been as close in the recent years I knew that when one of us did pick up the phone or we’d meet up somewhere that we’d pick up right where we left off the last time. She was a Amazing women and great example of wife and mother…there is so much I can say. like how she truly was a second mom to my son. How because of her I always check my teeth for lipstick before I walk out the door. how when I order a Margarita I now get it on the rocks because then you cant taste the tequila better….the list goes on. Jan I will miss you like crazy. Love you
Tammy
Jan was such a wonderful woman and it still doesn’t feel real that she is gone. She inspires me to be a better woman and I am truly blessed to have had her friendship all of my life. I love her and will miss her until I see her someday in heaven.
I will never forget Jan’s smile & eagerness to meet new people. She brought light to any room she entered & it stayed until she left. She was so happy & positive about everything around her. She made me happy just talking to her. The love she had for her husband & children was apparent in all that she did. We were so blessed to have known her & loved her. She will always be missed & remembered with love.
“Through your life we saw the sunshine even in the rain…
Your smile expressed your love for those you touched…
Your laughter had the ability to sustain…
Your embrace, charm, and elegance will be missed so much <3."
Jan was a fighter that never gave up. Her family opened their lives to us and we will be forever grateful for the imprint she left. It was OUR honor and pleasure to have meet such a graceful and loving woman. Prayers for her family. We love you.
I work with Jan at RHS. I love her smile and energy. Everytime I would see her, she would be buzzing around doing a million things at once, always with a smile and beautiful lipstick! Even when she was sick and not feling well, she never let it show. Our staff will never be the same without her. Jan was the glue that held us together. Without her efforts to organize social events for the staff, we would rarely get together. My heartfelt condolences to Jan’s family and please know how much love and miss her. God Bless.
I had the pleasure of working with Jan at RHS years ago. She was always one of my favorite people to see and visit. Her smile and laugh were infectious, her personality warm, fun, and outgoing. She was so proud and in love with her 3 men, they were the joy of her life. I will always remember Jan and her big, bright, beautiful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with her family as you struggle with her loss. She was an amazing woman who loved you all deeply.
To the Castorina family,
Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to you over the loss of Jan. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and gave everlasting comfort and good hope by means of undeserved kindness, comfort YOUR hearts and make YOU firm in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17; John 5:21, 28, 29; Matthew 5:5. May your cherished memories stay forever in your heart and bring you comfort and peace. My deepest condolences.
Nick, Ryan, Nicholas. I am truly sorry for your loss of a loving, beautiful, wife, mother, and friend. May God’s peace, comfort and love keep you safe in His arms. My Jani. I had the greatest honor of meeting her in 3rd grade. We ended up being best and dearest lifelong friends. She was and will always be like a sister to me and in my heart always. We had alot of good times, a few bad, a few sad, but mostly alot of wonderful times. I learned a great deal about life from her and by watching her. She was truly in inspiration to everyone that she met. Her infectious smile, her laughing and bright sparkling eyes thru lifelong journeys.She enjoyed life to its fullest with a truly wonderful husband and sons. She will always be a ray of sunshine, a beacon of light from Our Lord and Savior. My promise is to be more like her, learning from her. Just like Jesus, more like Him and less of me. A spirit of love, happiness, with mercy and grace. With all my love, Sharon
How can I share what you mean to me? It’s like trying to explain the earth, moon and sea.
Like the pretty blue color, that sets off your eyes. Shows your grace and your spirit, like a gentle butterfly.
Your sisterly advice, was so trusted & sought. And you encouraged me always, crazy ideas or not.
Your lipstick, the sketchers, our matching earrings. The adventures and stories, oh the laughter it brings.
Your strength and your honesty, are examples to me. I’ll remember, Jan I’ll remember, until heaven we meet.
Love you always
Jan, you are precious — a ray of sunshine who will forever light our Bomber family! You always “got it done” for us at RHS. Your strength and perseverance are ingrained in our souls. Nick, Ryan and Nicholas, I am so sorry for your loss. She adored you! She will never stop loving you.
Jan Castorina was a bright star in Richland High School doing all she could to help students, staff & administration, always with a can do attitude and a smile. The RHS Lunch Bunch voted her Gourmet Clam Chowder, Lasagna & Humongous Cobb Salad the “Very Best On Earth.” There have been many scholars, athletes, students, staff & administrators contribute to make RHS a great school. Jan ranks right up there with the Best of the Best All Time.
Steve Piipo “The RHS Lunch Bunch”
Words cannot express the sympathy I feel for Nick, Ryan and Nicholas. I had the pleasure of meeting Jan only a few times, but I know from working closely with Nick how special their family bond is. Jan was a remarkable woman, wife and mother. Her love and devotion to her family was contagious. Nick told me numerous time how truly incredible it was that Jan had such a positive attitude over the past several difficult months. She was a true fighter and believer. Her and Nick’s belief in their Lord was genuinely comforting. Jan will be greatly missed. Her spirit and love will live on through her devoted husband, sons and extended family. May God Bless the Castorina family and place His hand on the shoulders of those left behind, helping to lead them through this sorrowful time.
Jan was a beautiful woman in many ways. She was physically beautiful, but the beauty that she revealed through her words and actions, her faith and hope in the future, her belief in the good in people and love for others, her devotion to Nick, Ryan and Nicholas, as well as to her extended family and friends… this was the beauty that truly shone. I will miss my friend Jan every day, but the memories of our times together will keep her close to my heart. We laughed together, cried together and shared an amazing friendship. I‘d never wish for Jan to suffer through the devastation that cancer brought into her life, but I know that she’d be pleased she left a legacy of grace, dignity and beauty because of it. I will miss you in a million ways Jani.
Jim and I send our love to Jan’s family as they seek the Lord’s comfort and peace in understanding why Jan had to leave us so soon. We look forward to meeting her in Heaven where we know she will greet us in a bright pink robe!
Jan’s beauty showed from the inside out. We can see what a great mother she was reflected in Nicholas. We are sorry for the loss of such a special person to this lovely family. May God bless Nick, Nicholas and Ryan. She is an inspiration to many.
Guestbook for
Janice “Jan” Marie Castorina