Shirley Fredericka Castaneda passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 1, 2013 after a lengthy illness.
Shirley was born to Ebenezer F. Foster and Ida Manton Foster on June 27, 1927 in Cheshire, CT. She attended schools in New Haven and an LPN Program at Eli Whitney School in Hamden. Shirley left a career as an LPN at Yale New Haven Hospital to pursue her desire to become an at home mother and childcare provider to numerous friends and family members throughout the Hamden-New Haven area.
In recent years, she was lovingly cared for by nieces Myrtle White and Patricia Thomas of Hamden, CT.
In her final days Shirley received expert round the clock care from a dedicated nursing staff. In addition to thanking this staff the family would like to also give their heartfelt thanks to VITAS Hospice care of Waterbury.
She is survived by her children Karina Castaneda of New York City, N.Y. and Juan Lebron of Hamden, CT, grandchildren Cooper Marshall, Mackenzie and Zachary Lebron, and a brother Howard B. Foster (Pearl) of Indian Trail, N.C., as well as a host of relatives and friends. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Luis Manuel Castaneda, brothers Percy, Benjamin, Ebenezer (Tim), Richard and Chester Foster and sisters Rhoda James, Myrtle Thomas, Ernestine Allen-Meyer and her adored foster child April Meeker.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations be sent to VITAS Hospice Care, 199 Park Road Extension, Suite 102, Middlebury, CT 06762. A Memorial Service will be held, Monday, December 9, 2013 at 10AM at Agape Christian Center, 90 – 100 Goffe St, New Haven, CT. A graveside service will be held at the family’s convenience. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511.
