Mara F. (Castellucci) Castello, 64, passed away surrounded by loved ones, on December 12, 2024, after an 8½ year courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Born in New York City on January 15, 1960, Mara was the beloved daughter of the late Mae (Wright Jones) and Frederick Ernest Castellucci. Growing up in Tenafly, New Jersey, Mara enjoyed holidays and summers with her grandparents and extended family at the Jersey Shore. Mara delighted in her home's proximity to New York City with wonderful family memories of visiting Little Italy’s meat and cheese shops and Ferrara Bakery.
Mara graduated from Tenafly High School in 1978 and Wellesley College in 1985 with a degree in psychology. Mara was later accepted into medical school and deferred enrollment to care for her father. This was characteristic of the love and devotion Mara exemplified throughout her life.
Mara then began a long career as a civil litigation case manager working in Boston area law firms connecting compassionately with many of her clients. Mara retired in 2018.
Mara’s true passion was her coaching business, which focused on empowering women to overcome trauma and live with authenticity and purpose. Mara also supported women in her work in various groups and organizations including Women Within.
After her cancer diagnosis, she courageously persevered with bravery and dignity showing hope to those suffering from ovarian cancer with her participation in the Turning the Tide Ovarian Cancer Retreats and the Pan-Mass Challenge.
In her spare time, Mara enjoyed playing board games, camping, hiking, traveling and ziplining. Sailing was one of Mara’s favorite activities. Mara cherished her time on the water and was quite an accomplished sailor. Mara loved cats and dogs. Most recently, Fenway and Wrigley were her loving companions.
Mara’s natural effervescence, intelligence and sweet nature will have a lasting impact on her wide circle of friends, family and children of her closest friends who affectionately referred to Mara as “auntie.” Mara loved fiercely and displayed a genuine and selfless interest in the happiness of others.
We all mourn the passing of our dear, irreplaceable, devoted, sincere and loving Mara.
In addition to her parents, Mara was predeceased by her aunts Ethel Castellucci Fragale and Felice Castellucci Blais, and uncle Anthony Mario Castello. She is survived by numerous family members and close cousins.
A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on January 15, 2025 at Crossroads Worship Center, 241 Broad Street, Weymouth, MA at 1:00 p.m.
Contributions can be made in Mara’s memory to Crossroads Worship Center (Weymouth, MA), Turning the Tide Ovarian Cancer Retreats and the Pan-Mass Challenge.