Darlene Ann Castello

Darlene Ann Castello, age 96, of Belleville, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Castello, Sr., and her parents, Lawrence and Marie Louvier, and her siblings, Shirley, Earl, Charlie, and Walter.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Thomas A. (Mary) Castello, Sr. of Belleville, IL; Theodore J. (Barbara) Castello, Jr. of Belleville, IL; and Terry L. (Teresa) Castello of Waterloo, IL. She was a beloved grandmother to Thomas A. (Siri) Castello, Jr. of House Springs, MO; Monica Castello of St. Louis, MO; TJ (Erin) Castello, III of Dunwoody, GA; Mari (Tyler) Johnson of Golden, CO; Anne (Chris) Jensen of Denver, CO; Brandon (Kim) Castello; Nicole (Mike) Hanks; and Ryan (Kim) Castello, all of Waterloo, IL. She is also survived by a step-granddaughter, Jess (Charles Crittenden) Lackey of St. Louis, MO, and her great-grandchildren: Sofia, Everett, Mia, Alder, Rye, Megan, Ryan, Lauren, Chase, Caden, Cole, and Drew. Additionally, she leaves behind her sisters Pauline, Dotsy, Joanie, Loretta, her brother Richie (Carol), and many nieces and nephews. Her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who knew her.

Darlene dedicated her life to nurturing her family and creating a warm, welcoming home where love and laughter flourished. Her greatest joy came from being surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She treasured every moment spent with them, and her legacy lives on in the grace she instilled in each generation.

For many years, Darlene brought joy to others through her love of dance. A proud member of the Silver Bells tap dance group, she danced with spirit and elegance well into her late 80s. She found great joy in nature, especially in fishing trips with her beloved sisters, times filled with laughter, stories, and the simple peace of being together.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated team at Oak Hill Whispering Pines Memory Care in Waterloo, IL. Your compassion, dignity, and care for Darlene went above and beyond.

A visitation for Darlene will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lake View Funeral Home, located at 5000 N. Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 PM. Darlene will be laid to rest at Lake View Memorial Gardens, with a private committal to take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Darlene's honor may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ of Floraville, 100 Koerner St., Waterloo, IL 62298, via PayPal.me/STPAULUCCFLORAVILLE