Kathleen Eva Casterella

PORTLAND, ME – Kathleen King Casterella, 71, passed away on August 26, 2025, at her home in Portland. She was born in Biddeford, a daughter of Donald H. and Rita (Simard) King. She was married to James (Jim) Casterella for 47 years and their son, James (Jay) was born in 1982.

Kathy grew up in Biddeford, graduating from Biddeford High School in 1972. She was a majorette in high school and taught this skill to younger girls in the community throughout her years at BHS. Upon graduation, Kathy attended cosmetology school in Portland at the Phil Selibe School. For the next 32 years, she worked as a hairdresser alongside her mother at their shop on Foss Street in Biddeford. Later, Kathy worked out of her childhood home on Pool Street for the remainder of her career, retiring in 2000. Kathy worked at Romard’s Hallmark Shop for 19 years, developing many wonderful friendships.

Kathy was PTO President at Riverton Elementary School while Jay attended school there and then she and Jim enjoyed watching their son play sports throughout his school years. She was a loyal fan at all of Jay’s basketball and football games at Deering High School and she continued that loyalty while he played basketball for the University of Southern Maine. Known as “Mama Cas” to many of her son’s teammates, there was nothing she enjoyed more than entertaining and feeding a team of boys at their home in Portland.

Kathy enjoyed road trips to her favorite country craft stores, lunch with friends, and time spent with her family. She and Jim were inseparable during her two and a half year battle with cancer.

Kathy is survived by her husband, James (Jim); a son, James (Jay); daughter-in-law, Chris, and two grandsons, Sam and Jack Casterella. She is also survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William and Paula Casterella, and nephew, Bryan Casterella, as well as several cousins and dear friends.

Visiting hours will be held from 9-10:30 am on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, followed by a Graveside Service at 11am at Evergreen Cemetery, 672 Stevens Ave., Portland. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kathy’s name to Maine Cancer Foundation.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign Kathy’s online guest book.