Mildred Roberts Belcastro

Mildred Roberts Belcastro, 94, of Shinnston died peacefully at United Hospital Center in Clarksburg on February 26, 2025. She was born on March 20, 1930 in Galloway, West Virginia to the late Joseph and Jettie Nicholson Roberts.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Nick Belcastro. Also preceding her in death were her sisters Velma Hawkins, Nancy Fazio, and Wanda Spadafore as well as her brothers Joe, Henry, Aulbert "Pete", and infant brother Ray Roberts.
Mildred is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Chrissy Arco and her husband, Sammy, and Debbie Benedetti and her husband, Mark ; four grandchildren: Andrea Arco-Mastromichalis and her husband, Michael ; Lee Arco and his wife, Elizabeth; Allison Benedetti; Lauren Hager and her husband, Josh. Mildred was also blessed with six great-grandchildren who have wonderful memories to cherish: Max and Mason Mastromichalis, Cecilia Arco, and Emma, Olivia, and Luke Hager. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ladoris "Tee" Roberts and her beloved sister, Joyce Myers. Mildred also had several nieces and nephews from both sides of her family who were dear to her and she to them.
Mildred graduated from Shinnston High School in 1949. During her junior high and high school years, she participated in the band as a percussionist and sang in the chorus. She was captain of the girls' basketball team and a member of the Progressive Club. She always took pride in her studies ; she was a winner of the West Virginia Golden Horseshoe Award and was a member of the National Honor Society.
Mildred worked briefly in retail prior to her employment as a telephone operator at the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company. She resigned from there when she and her husband decided to start their family.
Mildred was a life-long member of the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church where she served in several capacities. She was the treasurer for many years, she directed a taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and led the UNICEF collection drive for the church. Her church family was very important to her.
She was an excellent cook and baker and treasured hosting family gatherings. Mildred was talented in sewing and crafting and enjoyed making Barbie and Ken clothes for her daughters, Christmas ornaments for her daughters and grandchildren, and seasonal wreaths for her home. She enjoyed her flowers and flower garden, feeding and watching birds and collecting small bird figurines. She also enjoyed the outdoors including family walks in the woods and fishing with her husband.
Mildred and Nick took pleasure in traveling; notable among their travels was a Canadian fishing trip. They also traveled to Dollywood and Branson where they enjoyed musical theater. Trips to Myrtle Beach, Niagara Falls, the Everglades, and New England including the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Cape Cod were also among their favorites.
Mildred was an avid reader of many genres of literature, and she continued her reading until her passing. She also enjoyed many types of music, and she and her siblings often sang songs in harmony; her favorite was "This World is Not My Home."
She valued education and was very proud of her family's accomplishments and activities. She maintained a vital interest in updates about her family members.
Mildred was a caring, strong, and independent woman who reflected a positive outlook throughout her lifetime. Family and faith were always foremost.
For the last few years, she resided at Harmony at White Oaks where she made several dear friends and enjoyed participating in activities with them. While there, she also looked forward to her Wednesday lunches with her sister Joyce, and then, more recently, with her sister and sister-in-law, "Tee".
Toward the end of her time, she often remarked, " I've had an abundant life".
We couldn't have loved her more.
The family would like to extend appreciation to the staff at Harmony at White Oaks and at United Hospital Center for their contributions.
Family and friends will be received at Perine Funeral Home on Saturday, March 8th from 11:00am to 1:00pm. A graveside ceremony will immediately follow at Shinnston Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Clifford Powell officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 1201 East Pike Street, Shinnston, WV 26431. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.perinefunerals.com
The Perine Funeral Home is honored to serve the Belcastro family.