Clara Kathryn Lyons Castano, 81, of New Bern, NC, and later of Southern Pines, NC, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022. She was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi on July 8, 1941 to the late Dorsey Ernest Lyons and Louise (Fleches) Lyons Davy.
Clara graduated from Providence Central High School (Alexandria, LA) in 1959. After graduating from high school, Clara attended secretarial school and used her skills and outgoing personality as a secretary for KALB, a television station in Alexandria, LA. She also modeled for C.A. Schnack Jewelry Company.
Clara married the love of her life, John Castano, in 1962. Her constant support as a Navy wife and the ability to manage the household while raising her children throughout deployments brought her joy and continued the growth of a strong family which began with the marriage to the love of her life, John. Her continued dedication to her faith provided her strength, comfort and guidance.
Clara enjoyed swimming and was an aquatics director for Wakefied Park in Fairfax County, VA. She also taught swimming to people of all ages. She helped to encourage the development of the newborn and infant water safety program for the Red Cross. Her specialty was teaching adults with a fear of the water. She even led multiple water aerobics classes to fun upbeat music.
In 1986, Clara and John moved to New Bern, NC to start Trent Woods True Value hardware store because of the need for a neighborhood hardware store focused on getting to know and serve the local community. Clara became proficient in most aspects of the business and always had a smile while helping customers. She loved to meet people and making friends. Upon the sale of the hardware store, Clara started a successful sewing/alterations business.
Throughout her life, Clara had a smile and kindness for everyone she met and was an avid volunteer. She was a Eucharistic Minister for St. Paul’s Catholic Church in New Bern, NC and was part of the original St. Paul’s office staff for a number of years. She also enjoyed visiting the hospital and bringing communion to those unable to attend mass.
She is survived by her sons, F. Michael Castano, John D. Castano and wife, Donna Castano; daughter, Claire M. Hartung and husband, Michael D. Hartung; grandchildren, Anthony, Nicole, Alexander, Isabel, Josephina, and Patrick; sisters, Judy Lyons Fullerton, Nancy Lyons Kennedy, Linda Lyons Mark, Patricia Lyons Thistlethwaite; and many loving family members and close friends. Clara is predeceased by her brother, Richard Ernest Lyons.
Clara is preceded in death by her loving husband, John B. Castano;
A Rosary Service will be held at 9:30am on December 6, 2022 at St. Paul Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will follow and begin at 10:30am. Clara will be laid to rest beside her late husband, John Castano, at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Clara's honor to your favorite charity.
Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Clara Castano.
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