Laura Culwell Castagna's Obituary
Laura Elena Culwell Castagna, 95, was born November 20, 1915 in Encontrados, Venezuela and taken to be with our Lord on June 16, 2011 in Longview, Texas. She immigrated to the USA in 1934 with the intent of studying to be a professional dancer. This career was interrupted when she met and married her husband of 33 years, Edgar Culwell, who predeceased her in 1971.
In 1946 they moved to Venezuela and lived there until 1964 when they retired to Willcox, Arizona. Laura continued to live in Willcox until she met and married Thomas Castagna. After his retirement from Hughes Aircraft they decided to move to Texas to be closer to two of her four children and her two sisters. They selected Longview as the place they wished to live and moved there in 1977. Tom passed away in 1982. Laura was a volunteer at Good Shepherd Medical Center for 27 years. Laura was dearly loved and is now greatly missed.
She is also predeceased by second husband, Thomas Castagna, her sisters: Sara Blagg and Carmen Johnston, and her brothers, Romulo and Nerio Urdaneta.
She is survived by her four children, sons: Edgar, Rodney, and Donald and daughter: Annela, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 PM on Monday, June 20, 2011, at St Anthony Catholic Church, Longview, with Father Jayseera Lucas officiating. The rosary will be recited at 6 PM Sunday, June 19, in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home, Longview. Interment will be at 1 PM Saturday, June 25, in the Sunset Cemetery, Willcox, Arizona under the direction of Westlawn Chapel and Mortuary, Willcox, Arizona.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to St. Jude's or your favorite charity.
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