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In memory of
Lolita Irene Casto
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In lieu of flowers
In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Redeemer Lutheran Church.
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Lolita's obituary
Lolita's parents moved from North Dakota to Coeur D' Alene, Idaho with her and her little sister, Joanne. Graduating high school in 1943, with dreams of being a nurse, she attended nursing school at St. Luke's Hospital. She made lifelong friends there before graduating in 1950. She then began working as a nurse in a local doctor's office.
Later she met the love of her life, Thomas Casto. They were married in the Lutheran Church in 1957. They eventually left Coeur D' Alene with son, Duane. They moved to Waterville where their sons, Bill and Tom were born. They then left for Coulee Dam where Tom taught at the High School while Lolita began work as a nurse for Dr. McConnell. Daughter, Jo, was born and they soon relocated to Spokane.
They bought a new house in Spokane and Lolita began working at Valley General Hospital where she would work for many years. Later, she worked at Deaconess Hospital as an I.V. nurse. Lolita always took great pride in her work. She was, without a doubt, a "take charge", "no nonsense" nurse. Lolita often told the story of her good friend, Phyllis Hansman, and her young son, David. David needed a shot but like most young children, he was fearful. Dreading the shot, poor David quickly ran outside the building and tightly wrapped himself around the nearest pole and hung on for dear life.
Refusing to come inside, Lolita promptly marched outside and informed him that if he didn't come inside immediately for the shot, she would pull down his pants and give it to him right then and there for all the world to see. Needless to say, David complied and sullenly walked back inside. Resigned to his fate, David said "I'm ready for the shot". Upon which Lolita replied "David, I already gave you the shot!"
An important part of her life was her Christian faith. She attended Redeemer Lutheran Church and was a very active member. She volunteered in many different ways. Always serving others, you would often find her in the kitchen cleaning up after a church dinner. She took on leadership positions and served as a quilter weekly. Many hours were spent creating quilts with her church friends and, as a result, countless colorful quilts were given to people in need. She was always very generous with her time and talents. She supported many charitable causes including Christmas boxes for disadvantaged preschoolers and Braille copies of "Portals of Prayer".
Lolita raised her children the same way she approached nursing; She didn't take any guff! She was tough but only because she wanted what was best for her children. She demonstrated her love by keeping them in line and filling their bellies. Much like her mother, she was always cooking and baking. Homemade goodies were a staple in our house although her specialty was pie. Her pies were always deep dish with a buttery, flakey crust. She made all varieties of pie such as fruit pies, pecan pie and pumpkin pie but her peach pie was outstanding! If she gave you a slice of her pie you were pretty high on her list!
Lolita, a kind and loving person, was a good manager who often stepped up in times of need. She might give you a much needed kick in the pants every now and then but she would always be there for you. She was hard working and generous in every aspect of her life. She was gregarious and pleasantly personable and for this reasons, she had many friends.
Lolita, with the sparkling eyes, winning smile, and giving nature will be dearly missed. But, God, in Heaven, has created a special home for her where she will be busy making pie and enjoying long chats with new and old friends as her circle of friends grow and grow.
Lolita is survived by: Her husband, Thomas Casto; Four children and their spouses, Duane and Cathy Casto, Bill and Marie Casto, Tom and Becky Casto, and Jo and Randy Kemme; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Ida Sande; her cherished sister Joanne Riggs and her husband Frank Riggs.
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In lieu of flowers
In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Redeemer Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers
In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Redeemer Lutheran Church.
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Created with love by
Jo Kemme (Lolita's daughter).
