Constance Castagna

Waterford — The family of Constance “Connie” B. Castagna sadly announces her passing Feb. 1, 2021, from COVID-19. Connie was born in New London May 20, 1932, to James and Mary Ann (Magowan) Beran.

She grew up in Waterford in Ridgewood Park sharing her childhood with her two younger sisters, Jayne and Irene. Connie graduated from Williams Memorial Institute (WMI), Class of 1950, of New London.

She met her future husband, John Castagna, on a blind date and they were soon married. They returned to Waterford to raise their family. Connie loved Ridgewood Park and Ocean Beach. She enjoyed daily walks around her neighborhood and sitting on the beach and boardwalk at Ocean Beach. Connie was employed as a paraprofessional by the Town of Waterford Board of Education. Connie had many fond memories of her home and her helpful neighbors, especially Carol, Kevin and Shirley.

After 46 years of marriage, John predeceased her in 1999. Her younger sisters, Jayne Ellis and Irene Higgins, also predeceased her; as well as her brother-in-law, Louis Castagna. Connie is survived by her two children: daughter Lynne Murphy and husband David of East Lyme and their children, Erica, Courtney and Shawn; son Paul of Boca Raton, Fla. and his children, Matthew and Joseph; and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brotherin-law Leroy Ellis; sisters-inlaw, Elaine Runkel, Geraldine Ikola and Harriet Grau and Mae Castagna; cousins, Mary Ann Bernstein and Bruce Beran; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held in the spring to celebrate her life. The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Homes of Niantic is assisting the family with arrangements.