JoAnn T. Castello, 78, of Mount Joy, entered into her heavenly reward January 15, 2024 at Hospice & Community Care surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Brownsville, PA she was the daughter of the late Harry C. and Elsie J. (Pokorney) Thompson. She was the loving wife of Robert E. Castello, with whom she shared 50 wonderful years of marriage.

A graduate of Brownsville High School, JoAnn went on to receive a Bachelor's Degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) as well as a Master's Degree from the University of Maryland. JoAnn spent a 28-year career as a Home Economics Teacher. She spent 18 of those years at Donegal High School, where she was lovingly known as "Mrs. C". She pioneered the preschool program there and inspired many students to pursue careers in Education and Culinary Arts. She spent her retirement years serving as an Early Childhood adjunct instructor at Harrisburg Area Community College and volunteering at Hospice & Community Care in Mount Joy.

She loved to cook, entertain, dance and travel. JoAnn was deeply connected with Coterie for 45 years, serving as head of the Gourmet Group and later as the Chair of the Wine Tasting Group. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster for 48 years.

Some of her happiest times were spent cheering on the Penn State Football team singing "Sweet Caroline" in the stands. She especially valued the quality time that she spent creating memories with her granddaughter and grandson.

In addition to her husband, JoAnn is survived by her daughter, Lindsay C. (wife of Patrick Heth) of Manheim; her two beloved grandchildren, Camryn and Colin, and her brother, Gregg C. Thompson (husband of Eileen Marhefka).

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 5:30-7:30PM at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home located at 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. Visitation with the family will also be on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 10:00-11:00AM at Mary Mother of the Church located at 625 Union School Road, Mount Joy, PA 17552. A service will follow at 11:00 AM in the church; the service will be live -streamed at https://marymotherparish.org/live-stream-page.

Contributions may be made to the Mary Mother of the Church at the above address or Lancaster County Field of Hope, 4338 Fairview Rd, Columbia, PA 17512.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Dr. Scott Silverstein of WellSpan Pulmonary and Dr. Matthew Beelen of Penn Medicine Geriatrics for their excellent care.