Mary Berggreen Castille

1938 - 2019

Mary Berggreen Castille obituary, 1938-2019, St. Gabriel, LA

BORN

1938

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown

825 Government Street

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Mary Castille Obituary

Mary Berggreen Castille passed peacefully from this life at home with her family on Palm Sunday, April 14th. She was born March 22nd 1938, in St. Gabriel, Louisiana. She graduated St. Gabriel High in 1956, and attended Northwestern University in Nachitoches, La. At 19, she was Wade O. Martin's (then La. Secretary of State) secretary. She then went into flight attendant training for Eastern Airlines, during which time Royal Pierre Castille requested her hand in marriage. Mary gave of her time in many voluntary capacities. She taught Catechism, worked at the Chemical Dependency Unit and St. James Place assisted living, as well as being an avid volunteer at her children's schools. She was a real estate agent for C.J. Brown from 1993-2008. She also worked for Burk Baker Real Estate School for a time. Mary was a devout Roman Catholic and was devoted to her family as well. Everyone who knew her witnessed her zest for life, her devotion to her faith and family, and her talent for never meeting a stranger. She never forgot a birthday, an anniversary, or a date that may have seemed insignificant to others, but meant something to her, always. Indeed, Mary journaled her life from the 5th grade to present day. The stacks of journals, her memoirs, are a rare documentation of a wonderful life well-lived. Baton Rouge is and has been home to many avid L.S.U. fans, but Mary was one of the most rabid. She could talk L.S.U. sports knowledgably with any man, and often joked that if L.S.U. had a Tiddlywinks Team, she would wholeheartedly cheer them on. She loved to dance, read and "just visit". Her daughter joked many times throughout her childhood that her friends were coming to visit her mother instead of her. She was a true Southern Belle, the kind to never leave the house without her lipstick. She was a grammar and manner fanatic and passed these traits on to her children and grandchildren. Even if you weren't hungry at her house, you ate. Even if she had just met you, you got the feeling that she loved you. She is survived by her daughter Christy Castille Wittmann Haik and her husband Dr. Hilliard Michael Haik Jr., her son Matthew Peter Castille and his wife Michelle Castille. Her grandson Barrick Wittmann and granddaughters Bronley Wittmann and Soleil Castille. Her brothers the Very Reverend Monsignor Robert Berggreen and Leo J. Berggreen. Her sisters in-law; Deborah Castille Shelton, Cheryl Castille Turner, Greta Castille Green, Jean Castille Angelle, Ginny Castille LeBlanc, Deidre Castille Reichel, and Madeline Berggreen. Brothers in-law; Leonard Castille and Frank Castille. She is preceded in death by her husband Royal Pierre ("Pete") Castille, her parents Lena Browne Berggreen and Holger Christian Berggreen. Twin brothers Nick and Andrew Berggreen, and brother Cole Berggreen. Sister Lorraine Berggreen Verbois and sister Bonnie Berggreen Somsen. Services will be held Wednesday April 17th at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in St. Gabriel, La., beginning with visitation at 9a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11a.m with a burial to follow. Pallbearers will be Barrick Wittmann, Charles Berggreen, Bryan Sibley, Robert Berggreen, Cole Berggreen and Pete Verbois. Honorary Pallbearer will be Bo Shelton. The family would like to extend special thanks to Deborah Castille Shelton for her love and devotion. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Heart Association or your favorite charity. John 14:3 "And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am"

Published by The Advocate from Apr. 15 to Apr. 17, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
for Mary Castille

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I cherish the years of knowing Mary...since 1957. We exchanged letters, cards and an occasional phone call but rarely got together through the years. There were many "planned" visits, especially with my sister, but somehow the plans rarely materialized. However, Mary's presence even in her absence, was felt strongly. She will be remembered and loved always. And, oh, the joy of getting together with her and family and friends for her 81st birthday last month. What a blessing and cherished memory. She loved deeply and was deeply loved.

Gwen Arendell

April 18, 2019

A most dear friend for 62 years.We met at Northwestern State College, way back in 1957, and remained close all those years. Surely with the guidance of God,I was able to spend her 81st birthday with her. Tears flow now but mostly because of our years of friendship and many memories. We shared a song from college, My Funny Valentine, for whatever reason. My sincere condolences to each member of her family who have always shown me great love. My love and adoration will last forever for each of you.

Deanna Weaver

April 18, 2019

My sincerest sympathy. May the God of all comfort strengthen your family during this time of sorrow. Those who die God keeps in his memory because he cares, they are precious in his eyes. Psalms 116:15

April 18, 2019

Our hearts go out to you, Christy and Matt we are deeply saddened by your loss but our prayers are with you. Both Mary and Pete were like my second mom and dad and I really enjoyed eating Pete's cooking and laughing at Mary's unique jokes. Mary will be truly missed, but I know she is in heaven and is at peace.

Morgan, Patty & Stephanie Green

April 17, 2019

Such a beautiful spirit Mary had. I pray for her family and friends in these difficult times. Dr. Eric & Sheryl Teschk Family

Sheryl Teschke

April 17, 2019

Mary was more a sister than a sister-in-law. She was fun to be with, loving and caring, and I'm glad that I had time with her before her passing. I miss her. Prayers and love to all her families.

Cheryl Castille Turner

April 16, 2019

A truly wonderful person who loved life and people. She also loved the fifties, oh what fun we had dancing into the wee hours. Our lives were full and Mary enjoyed every minute. She will be truly missed. We love you and always will. Rest In Peace my dear one.

Ted Landaiche

April 16, 2019

Such a beautiful child of God who I was blessed to have grown up with in our early years. She now has a brand new body and is with her Savior for eternity. I pray for her family and friends in these difficult times and that He be with them as they heal over the loss of Mary.

Terry Verbois

April 16, 2019

A flawless beauty. 1940s Hollywood Glamour meets Southern elegance.
Depressed about another birthday and still struggling with my career, she spoke to me for over half an hour about how talented I was and God will handle it.
Then she said....BUT YOU'RE NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER.
And laughed that infectious laugh. A true class act and I will continue to talk to her for as long as I'm not getting any younger.
My deepest love to the Berggreen and Castille family.

Kevin Hickman

April 16, 2019

No one is anymore sweeter than my aunt Mary who did not allow me to call "aunt!" One special memory I have was when she bought a brand new green and white 1958 Chevy and let me drive it. It was a stick shift and I was 14 and had no driver's license. She made my day then just as she did for so many others time and again. Love you sweet Mary!

Peter Verbois

April 16, 2019

Christy and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Karen Wiltz Jones

April 16, 2019

Sending love and prayers to the family.
Yvette Francois and family

April 16, 2019

All my love and prayers are with the family. Mary was a beautiful lady and a faithful friend. She will be missed. I thank God for the opportunity of having Mary in my life.

Linda Griggs

April 16, 2019

I extend to the family my most heartfelt sorrow and condolences. The drawing near to God is good for me.'
Emma~

April 16, 2019

Sending heartfelt condolences to the family for your great loss. May beautiful memories of happy times shared with your mom bring you a measure of peace and solace each time your think of her during the days ahead. May God provide the needed comfort and support from relatives and friends during your time of bereavement.

April 15, 2019

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Memorial Events
for Mary Castille

Apr

17

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

St. Gabriel Catholic Church

St. Gabriel, LA

Apr

17

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

St. Gabriel Catholic Church

St. Gabriel, LA

Funeral services provided by:

Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown

825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

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