Obituary published on Legacy.com by Carpenter's Funeral Home - Corning on Feb. 16, 2026.
Sandra J. Casterline, age 85, passed away on February 10, 2026, at Robert Packer Hospital in
Sayre, Pennsylvania. Born on September 27, 1940, in
Westfield, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Wilson 'Bill' Simons and Kathryn (Sharman) Molyno.
Some people don't simply go through life - they meet it with such joy and warmth that even the simplest days feel extraordinary. Sandy was one of those remarkable souls. She believed in embracing life completely, finding reasons to laugh, and cherishing every blessing it placed before her. She loved to reminisce, sharing stories that kept memories alive and made others feel part of them. Wherever she went, she welcomed new faces with genuine interest and kindness, never missing a chance to turn a stranger into a friend. Her years cannot define her; rather, it was the energy, compassion, and full-hearted spirit she carried into every room and every moment that truly measured her life.
Sandy was a graduate of Horseheads High School, Class of 1959, and later attended Corning Community College, where she earned her Associate's Degree in Human Services. Throughout her life, she held various jobs, but her most cherished role was that of homemaker and caregiver, nurturing not only her own children but many others whose lives she touched.
Raised in Millport and Horseheads, Sandy formed many lifelong friendships. As a teen, she spent two years at
Shriners Hospital, where she met friends who remained dear to her throughout her life. After graduation, she married and began raising her family-her greatest pride and accomplishment.
For more than 20 years, Sandy lived at Corning Manor, where she raised her children and became a second mother to many. An entrepreneur at heart, she operated an office printing business from her home and persevered through the challenges of the local flood. During her children's teenage years, she worked at Two Guys, where she met Marty and Bill. Together, they later opened Duffy's Tavern in Elmira Heights, which she proudly helped operate.
Sandy later moved to Delray Beach, Florida, where she worked for IBM and met her lifelong friend, Crissy. Eventually, she returned to the Painted Post area to be closer to her grandchildren. While living at Victory Village, she once again opened her home and heart to care for many children, impacting numerous families. During this time, she also worked as an Avon representative. In her retirement years, she resided at Village Square Apartments, where she continued making friends and treasured memories. In her final years at Brookdale, she formed new friendships and created even more special moments.
Sandy took great pride in overcoming life's obstacles, meeting each challenge with strength and determination. She found joy in sharing stories from her life, often paging through her treasured photo albums and reminiscing about the memories they held. Thoughtful and caring, she was known for sending greeting cards-always sprinkled with a bit of confetti-to brighten someone's day.
In her younger years, Sandy enjoyed playing games, especially Yahtzee and Scrabble, and she loved hosting family gatherings filled with laughter and connection. She cherished long phone conversations with loved ones and found simple comfort in quiet evenings at home watching television. Sandy also delighted in traveling, and shopping and browsing her favorite catalogs and QVC, always finding happiness in life's little pleasures.
Sandy is survived by her daughter, Brenda DuVall; her grandchildren, Trishia (Derrick) Alexander of Burdett, NY, Andrea DuVall of
Painted Post, NY, and Brianna West of Odessa, NY; her great-grandchildren, who she adored greatly, Samantha Mayer of
Painted Post, NY, and Adreanna and Emmarie Alexander of Burdett, NY; her loving sister, Carol Furman of Daytona Beach, FL; her sister-in-law, Gayle Molyno of Tyrone, NY; and several very dear cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Sandy was predeceased by her son, David F. Casterline; her siblings, Robert "Bob" Simons, Earl "Dave" Molyno, and Kathy Hashinburger; and her devoted aunts, Bernice "Bobbie" Scott and Edith Holmes, who lovingly cared for her.
Family and friends are invited to visitation at Grace Methodist Church, 191 Bridge Street,
Corning, NY, on Monday, February 23, 2026 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. A memorial service will immediately follow at the church at 3:00 pm. Carpenter's Funeral Home, 14 E. Pulteney Street, Corning, has been entrusted with Sandy's care.
Sandy's family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and residents at Brookdale for the kindness and care that made her time there so special. She truly cherished each of her "gals and guys" and the friendships she formed along the way.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sandy's name may be sent to:
Shriners Hospital by visiting: www.ShrinersChildrens.org or to Pawz and Purzz by visiting www.Pawzandpurzz.org.