Mildred Leroy Licastro

On the evening of Aug. 29, 2015, Mildred Leroy Licastro passed away peacefully with family members at her bedside.

Mildred was born 97 years ago in Crowell, Texas where her early years were spent on the family farm. She became a registered nurse and left Texas for California after marrying her husband, Cy Licastro and having her first son, Michael Licastro. Once settled in Sacramento, the couple had their second son, David Licastro. Then, she began a long career of caring for others, including her husband until his death from polio. Ultimately, she returned home to her beloved family farm in Crowell where she cared for both of her parents, Jack and Marzella McGinnis and re-established herself into her hometown community where she worked at the local hospital until retirement.

In the late 1990s, she fulfilled her longtime dream of moving to Whidbey Island to be close to her sons and their families. In the years that followed, she quickly became knit into the fabric of the community through her home at Brookhaven, activities at the local senior center, and her church.

Mildred was a devout Catholic, a lover of baseball, cross stitch, embroidery and travel. Throughout her life, Mildred embraced her extended family with unconditional love and support. Her kind and giving nature was acknowledged by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cy Licastro; parents, Jack and Marzella McGinnis; younger brother, A.L. McGinnis; sister-in-law, Joyce McGinnis; and best friend and travel companion, Texas Ford.

Mildred is lovingly remembered by her sister, Patty Flowers; sons, Michael and David Licastro; grandchildren, Emily, Sara and Phino Licastro, Katie Licastro and Kristina Saunsaucie; great-grandchildren, Livia, Greta, Oliver and Ian; her niece, Joyce Ann McGinnis; and their extended families.

Special thanks to Homeplace Memory Care in Oak Harbor, where Mildred spent her last remaining years and was surrounded by warm and caring staff and friends.

There will be a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19 at St. Hubert Catholic Church in Langley.