Dr. Leona L. Castor, 88, passed away on December 8th, 2020 at Kingston Manor Assisted living facility.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late James and Angeline Parente Lanza.
Leona was a graduate of Shickshinny High School and Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Wilkes-Barre. She received her master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and Bloomsburg University and a doctorate in higher education from Penn State University.
Leona held teaching positions at Mercy Hospital, University of Scranton, Wilkes University and was the Director of the nursing program at Luzerne County Community College. She was certified as a clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric nursing and was employed in this capacity by Golden Care of North East PA until her retirement.
She was a member of St. Maria Goretti’s church and was a member of their Christian Service Committee.
As an active member of the community, Leona was a member of the JLW Mountain Laurel Lions Club and served as a member of the Laflin Library Association where she served as president for 7 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph E. Castor in November 1997.
She is survived by her sister Margaret Farber and husband Leonard, brother Peter Lanza and his wife Shirley. Nieces and nephews – James Lanza and his children Jim (Gabe), Alana and Olivia; Lisa Lanza Stashik and children Alex and Samantha; Peter Lanza, Jr (Cheri) and their children Alli, Austin and Peter; Leonard Farber, Jr.; Angela Rackleff (Keith); Paul Farber (Renee) and their children Hannah and Laura.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, there will be a private family service. A celebration of Leona’s life will be held sometime next year when we can gather safely and honor Leona’s life.
At Leona’s request, memorial donations can be made to Lions District 14-W hearing aid program, Misericordia University, Saint Maria Goretti Parish, Laflin or Compassionate Care Hospice, Olyphant, PA.
Leona’s family would like to give a special thanks to Hospice of Compassionate Care for the extraordinary care given to Leona, the countless phone calls to her family and the sincere kindness expressed throughout this very difficult time.
Arrangements entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William Street, Pittston.
My sincerest sympathies to Leon’s family. She was an excellent instructor of mine at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. May God’s loving arms surround her in heaven.
My sincere sympathy to Leona’s family. From Frank Forlin
I remember Dr Caster when she was Miss Lanza, teaching us as student nurses in the early 1960’s at Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre. She was a very good teacher and a lovely person. May she Rest In Peace. Jeanne Mulhern Mulcahy
To family,
I'm sorry to hear of Leona's passing. I worked with her for quite a period of time at First Hospital. We worked weekends together. She was always teaching and helping others. May she rest in peace.
Ilene DeMola
Our finest instructor for all three years at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing