Valerie Anne Castens

Valerie Anne Castens, 77 years of age, of Tampa, Florida passed away peacefully on Monday, September 4, 2023, in Hudson, Florida. Anne was born on February 22, 1946, to George William Farmer and Beatrice Joan Lilian Farmer in Plymouth, England. Anne married William R. Castens on September 4, 1964, in West Memphis, Arkansas.

Anne was a passionate supporter of Alabama Crimson Tide and The Tampa Bay Rays. She was a huge Elvis Presley fan! She loved everything Christmas. But her greatest love was her family… not just the human ones. It was said that an animal that was rescued by Anne had a better life than most humans.

Anne was a graduate from Miller-Hawkins Business College of Memphis, Tennessee. She was involved in the Northdale OWLS, The Northdale Civic Association, and the Northdale Special Tax District. Anne was also an avid animal welfare activist for most of her life, advocating for the welfare of all animals. She worked as the Administrator for the Animal Protection League for 38 years as well as an active advocate for the Humane Society and Canine Castaways. She was a charter member of Van Dyke United Methodist Church and Keystone Community Church.

Anne is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Bill Castens, Children ~ David (and Adrienne) Castens and Jennifer (and Flint) Thomas, Siblings ~ Vicki, Kim, Stuart, and Jan and Grandchildren ~ Sydney, Haley, and Gavin. Anne is preceded in death by her father George William Farmer and her mother Beatrice Joan Lilian Farmer.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 1pm followed by a Funeral Service at 1:30pm at Blount & Curry Funeral Home- Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 W Bearss Ave,Tampa, Florida 33618 with the Reverend Harvey Lyons of Crosspointe Family Church officiating. Reception will follow at Northdale Park, 15510 Hooting Owls Place, Tampa, Florida 33624.

The family of Valerie Anne Castens wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Michael Wahl and the nurses of the CSU at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital for their unwavering care and support during Anne’s time on their unit.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Canine Castaways at www.CanineCastaways.org.

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