In loving memory of Karen Lee Castiglione “Kacey”
January 14, 1954 – September 5, 2020
Karen Lee Castiglione, “Kacey” age 66, passed away on Saturday, September 5th, 2020 due to complications from early onset Alzheimer’s. She was born in Santa Barbara then settled in Encinitas, CA. A bright light to all who came across her, she made friends easily and was a caretaker to all. She worked as a waitress for over 30 years. You may have met her at Red Lobster, The Chart House or The Brig in Del Mar. She was also a lunch supervisor and teachers aide at Paul Ecke Central Elementary from 1998-2010. She also helped run a family piano business in Leucadia for over 30 years.
Karen was adored by everyone whom she encountered. She was the life of the party, the center of laughter, and the brightest light in the darkest of times. She was generous to a fault, quick-witted and the best listener one could ask for. A stranger was never a stranger around Karen. She welcomed everyone with open arms, cashiers at the grocery stores she frequented knew her by name. She was best known for her laugh, her generosity, her funky style, and her baking.
In addition to being a generous, hilarious and kind soul, she was also famously known for her baking. She baked for her family year round, but during the holidays, her kitchen turned into a care-package factory with only her and her oven on the assembly line. We had a Christmas party every year since 1982 and she insisted no one could bring anything over. We had no family nearby so she would invite friends and those coworkers who had nowhere to go. Sending out cookies to her friends and family, near and far, and hosting the most elaborate Christmas parties, she made everyone’s holidays brighter and full of joy.
Karen will be missed by many. With her funky style, love of 80’s music, contagious laugh and infectious smile, she will surely bring the party to heaven where she will join her mom and family. Her loss is, simply said, a devastating one. However, there is some comfort in knowing that she is free from the disease that kept her wildly loving spirit in chains for so long. She will be remembered by many for that spirit for generations to come.
She is survived by her loving husband, Ron and her son, Russell. May she rest in peace.
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