Jean Mary (Belval) deCastro, 86, of Westborough, and formerly of Southborough, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept 11, 2024.
She was the daughter of the late Urban and Alice (Carey) Belval.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Susan deCastro and her husband Allen Rosenfeld of Westborough, her sons, Michael deCastro and his wife Jules of Salt Lake City, UT and Steve deCastro and his wife Kristen of Falmouth, ME, her brother Peter Belval of Needham, MA and her sister Ellen Williams of Orlando, FL. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Andrew, Benjamin, Lilly, Annie, Clara, Tyler and Nicholas. Jean was preceded in death by her longtime partner George Schneider.
Jean grew up in Norwich Connecticut and was a 1956 graduate of Norwich Free Academy. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree from Boston College, Jean worked as a history teacher. Eventually, she earned a master’s degree in library science from Worcester State University and began work as a High School Librarian in Thompson Connecticut. She thoroughly enjoyed her years working in Thompson, where she formed life-long relationships with great colleagues, and especially enjoyed leading a yearly student field trip to New York City for the Radio City Christmas show.
Jean chose retirement in 1999, and she took off traveling; Las Vegas, Europe and Jupiter, Florida were some of her favorites. Jean spent summers on Lake Winnipesaukee swimming, boating and soaking in the view. When she was home, Jean was a regular at church and coffee every morning. Each day she stayed in touch with her favorite sports teams. She loved to catch the Red Sox and Patriots games, always had a strong March Madness bracket, and appreciated a great golf or tennis tournament too. But, her beloved BC Eagle football team was always the favorite!
Jean was thrilled to watch her grandchildren grow and thrive. They will dearly miss her generous, kind and fun spirit.
Visiting hours for Jean will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Morris-Johnston Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough, MA 01772. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at 10:30 AM at St. Anne Church, 20 Boston Rd., Southborough, MA. Burial will follow at Southborough Rural Cemetery, 11 Cordaville Rd., Southborough, MA.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Abby’s House – www.abbyshouse.org
(Photo and Obituary via Morris-Johnston Funeral Home)
