Evelyn "Nana" Castellano-Brooks' Obituary
Evelyn “Nana” Castellano-Brooks, 88, was called home to our Lord on Thursday, April 29, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.
Evelyn was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; her family were her pride and joy. She considered herself fortunate at being able to enjoy her large extended family on the many special and important milestones in their lives. Evelyn will be fondly remembered attending many family events with an air of sophistication, always beautifully and brightly dressed. Although, Evelyn had many accomplishments in her life, she loved being “Nana” the most, her face always lighting up in the presence of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was an accomplished sewer and crafter; creating many beautiful keepsakes for her loved ones. And Evelyn enjoyed making teddy bears, dolls and clothing for the little ones. She found joy in creating the perfect birthday card for her loved ones, spending many hours making sure they were perfect and special. Over the years she enjoyed many hours working in her greenhouse and gardening, this was her time of quiet solitude. Evelyn loved the movie, The Wizard of Oz, her favorite song was “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Always looking forward to the next holiday, she would adorn her home with beautifully handcrafted decorations. She always enjoyed when Saint Patrick’s Day came around so she could wear the color of her Irish roots, putting a smile on everyone’s face. Evelyn was known for her delicious, home made family meals, and many of her recipes have now been passed down through the generations. Throughout her life, Evelyn approached everything in her life with grace and perseverance.
Evelyn was born May 12, 1932 in New York, New York, the only child of John Zeh and Lillian Dermody, who preceded her in death as well as her first husband of 40 years Robert Eugene Castellano.
She is survived by her loving husband Wallace C. Brooks Sr. of 26 years and her siblings Margaret, Valerie, Joseph, John and Thomas Zeh. Evelyn leaves behind her beloved children, Robert and wife Marie, Ralph, Richard and wife Patricia, and daughter Virginia and husband Raymond, and a stepson, Wallace C. Brooks Jr. and his wife Debra. She also leaves behind a large family legacy of 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and two soon to be great-grandchildren, as well as many extended family members who knew her as “Auntie Evie”.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 20th at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church at 2628 Del Prado Blvd S, in Cape Coral, Florida, 33904. Interment will be held immediately after mass at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, 1589 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL. 33907.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations be sent to Hope Hospice of Fort Myers, Florida. Website: hopehospice.org/donate. For more information, please contact Virginia Castellano-Mann via email at [email protected]
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