Catherine T. Kastenbaum NORFOLK - Catherine Toscano Kastenbaum of Norfolk died peacefully surrounded by family and friends at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Oct. 14, 2008. Catherine was the daughter of Frank Toscano and Marie Festa Toscano of Norfolk. Catherine was the widow of Dr. Otto Kastenbaum. She is survived by her beloved longtime companion, Russell Cerro; aunts, Angela Hughes of Virginia Beach and Teresa Hopkins of Chesapeake; cousins, Robert Hughes of Florida, Joe Williams of Portsmouth, Louis Ferri of Portsmouth, Denise Cox of South Hill, Raphael Barkley of Nevada, Carol Dill of Texas, Chris Conlouge of New Hampshire and Rosemarie Howlett of Norfolk; and stepdaughter, Maureen Pate of Williamsburg. Catherine had a strong belief in the importance of education. She held a bachelor of arts degree and a master's of public administration degree from Old Dominion University. She had an intense curiosity about life and delighted in studying and researching any subject in which she was interested. Although her lifelong love of travel took her to many countries, her favorite destination was always her ancestral home of Italy to which she returned regularly. She was extremely proud of her Italian heritage and was a member of Roma Lodge 254 of Order Sons of Italy in America and the National Italian American Foundation. Catherine was an avid photographer and was once awarded a finalist certificate in the Photographer's Forum Magazine annual competition. She had an abiding love of music and art and had served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Opera Guild. She was also a member of the Chrysler Museum. Her home is filled with art that she had collected throughout her life. Catherine was known as a generous, warm-hearted person with a great zest for life. She delighted in spirited conversation and was an enthusiastic dancer. She will be sorely missed. A funeral Mass will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Church of the Ascension, 4853 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, by Father Robert Ruth. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk. The family will receive friends today and Friday from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at the Norfolk chapel of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments. The family requests that contributions be made to the Diabetes Institutes Foundation, P.O. Box 1980, Norfolk, VA 23510. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hdoliver.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Oct. 16, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Kastenbaum

6 Entries

Marion & Laytona Williams

October 17, 2008

Laytona & I were sadden to hear of Catherine's passing...

We pray that the peace of God and your fond memories both comfort & keep you. Please know that you are in our prayers.

Thomas and Doris Turner

October 17, 2008

Thomas and I are deeply sorry to hear about Catherine's death. Russ, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

May God, our Creator, strengthen you and give you peace and comfort at this most difficult time.

Pat & Ann Sauer

October 17, 2008

All our thoughts and prayers are with Catherine, Russ and Catherine's family. We know how much Russ loved Catherine. She was a bright, warm, and kind-hearted woman with a passion and zest for life. We wish you all of God's blessings and accept our sincerest condolences during this time of great loss.

Camille Gerdvil

October 16, 2008

Although we met Catherine that one time on New Years Day, we felt we knew her always. She was a warm and beautiful person. Our deepest sympathy to Russ and her family.
Bob & Camille Gerdvil

Bob and Barbara Spadaccini

October 16, 2008

We are truly saddened by the loss of Catherine but know that heaven is a better place with her being there. Her commitment, dedication and passion for her heritage and life remain an inspiration to many.

To Russ (her constant companion) and her family our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers.

Henry and Christine Cerro

October 15, 2008

Henry and I are saddened to hear of Catherine's death.

As we remembered her, she was so friendly, has wonderful smile, and a warm loving heart.

Catherine will be sorely missed and will be remembered in our hearts. Our condolences to Russell and her families, friends for the loss.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

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