Mary Lou Castrey

MARY LOU CASTREY
March 30, 1938 ˜ December 9, 2025

With heavy hearts and deep love, we share the passing of our sweet, beautiful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mary Lou Castrey. At the age of 87, Mary Lou passed away on December 9, 2025, in Vancouver, Washington, having been deeply loved and tenderly cared for by her family.

She was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Russell and Chloe Block on March 30, 1938. She grew up alongside her siblings, whom she adored: Martha Jane Huggins, Russell Block, David Block, and Michael Genzel.

After her early years in Chicago, Mary Lou and her family relocated to California and then to Oregon, where she continued her education and began the next chapter of her life.

She met her future husband, Joseph Castrey, when she was in high school while enjoying a night out with her best friend. It was love at first sight! After graduating from Milwaukee High School in Oregon in 1956, they were married on June 3 of that same year.

Mary Lou and Joe were blessed with nine children, and raising them was the greatest joy and purpose of her life. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and open arms.

Mary Lou raised her family in a Christ-centered home, where faith, love, and service were at the core of daily life. A longtime member of Memorial Lutheran Church in Vancouver, her faith in Christ and her church community provided her with strength, comfort, and a deep sense of connection throughout her life.

Mary Lou was thoughtful and generous with her time, always remembering birthdays for her entire family. Children were Mary Lou’s true passion. In addition to being a devoted stay-at-home mother, she dedicated part of her life to serving students at Peter S. Ogden Elementary in Vancouver School District as a paraeducator. She was cherished by students and staff alike for her patience, kindness, and gentle encouragement. Gardening and caring for her yard were among her favorite pastimes.

She is survived by her brother, David Block (Juliann Block) and sister-in-law Cheryl Genzel. She is also survived by her children: Tracey Marteeny, Brad Castrey (Kathy Castrey), Blane Castrey (Robin Castrey), Tara Watts (Dale Watts), Tilly Meyer (Rick Meyer), Tiffany Frahm (Doug Frahm), Tristin McNabb (Chris McNabb), Toni Waser (Curt Waser), and Bill Castrey (Lindsey Castrey). In addition, she is survived by her grandchildren: Valerie Tapp (John Tapp), Tim Marteeny; Courtney Castrey, Alex Castrey; Kelsey Castrey, Joe Castrey (Brittanie Castrey); Marianne Ewing, Amy Ewing; Daniel Watts, Emily Mueller (Ryan Mueller), David Watts; Erick Meyer (Rachel Meyer), Andrew Meyer; Hayley Goff (Keelan Goff), Camilla Frahm; Gavin McNabb, Sean McNabb, Darren McNabb; Megan Brickley (Ben Brickley), Miranda Waser; Reese Castrey, William Castrey; also great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Castrey, and her siblings Martha Jane Huggins, Russell Block, and Michael Genzel.

Mary Lou will be remembered for her unwavering love, deep compassion, and the gentle strength she shared so freely, especially with her family, who were always at the center of her heart.

Our heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Cogir at The Quarry in Vancouver, WA, for the loving care they provided during her time there.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 24, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at Memorial Lutheran Church (2700 E 28th St., Vancouver, WA 98661) with Pastor Dan Adams officiating.
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