Mary Berg Casto

Mary Elizabeth Berg was born on July 23, 1934, to Edson Keith Berg and Helen Sauer Berg in Greencastle. Indiana. She attended Russell School in Novelty, Ohio and Granger Sharon High School where she was a cheerleader for four years, graduating in 1952. Many of Mary’s high school classmates are lifelong friends. Mary grew up on several family farms in Novelty, Rio Grande and Sharon Center, Ohio where she helped with daily farm chores. She was a responsible daughter, even milking cows before going to ball games to cheer and before prom! The work ethic instilled in her early years followed her through life. Mary attended Bowling Green State University from 1952-1956 where she graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She was an Alpha Xi Delta sister, was named Sweetheart of Sigma Chi and was a cheerleader at Bowling Green. In 1957, Mary married her high school sweetheart, Jimmy A. Casto, in Akron, Ohio. While Jim went to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for Army basic training, Mary stayed home in Ohio and taught school in Fairlawn. After basic training, Mary and Jim moved to Hawaii where Ann was born and Mary taught at Redeemer Lutheran School. When Jim’s service to the Army was completed, they moved back to Ohio. They lived in Grandview and Mary substitute taught in Plain City. After a cold winter, Jim accepted a job with Rutenberg Homes in Clearwater, Florida where his brother, Darrell, worked. Soon after, Cathy was born. They moved to Palm Beach County in 1962 with Rutenberg. Mary founded and taught at Faith Lutheran Church Kindergarten in North Palm Beach and was also an active member there. They lived in Palm Beach County for many years surrounded by great neighbors and fun times. In 1970, Mary and Jim decided to move to the “country” as they missed the farms where they grew up. Jupiter was the place! Seeing the bell by the driveway made their decision easy. Over the years they had many animals including a horse, chickens, rabbits, opossum, racoons, dogs and many cats. Mary volunteered with North County Ambulance as an EMT for 11 years during the 70’s and 80’s. She was involved with the kids’ activities including Girl Scouts and ballgames. Mary helped Jim with running Casto Homes from its inception until 2021. She will always be remembered for her friendly smile, optimism, attention to details and willingness to help with any task. Mary loved Christmas and celebrating the holidays with family. She had five themed Christmas trees throughout the house. Mary loved to cook and loved family dinners. And, she was an avid reader. Mary always had a positive attitude and was the peacekeeper of the family. She loved unconditionally. Mary is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Jim; her children Ann Casto Duffy (Mike), Cathy Casto Vokoun (Tom) and James Keith Casto (Tina); her Grandchildren Mary Duffy, Matthew Duffy, Steven Vokoun and Christopher Casto; her brother, Edson Keith Berg and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Spencer K. Berg and his wife, Nancy. A Visitation will be held at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 20th, from 1:00pm-3:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm. The family invites you to dress casually and wear something bright and cheerful in memory of Mary’s optimism and beautiful smile. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation In Memory of Mary Casto to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (17855 Rocky Pines Rd, Jupiter, FL 33478) https://buschwildlife.networkforgood.com/projects/256882-in-memory-of-mary-casto

Mary Berg Casto

July 23, 1934 - August 7, 2025