Obituary: In Loving Memory of Randy Castello
Randy Castello, beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2024,
surrounded by her family and friends. She was sixty-four years old.
Born on June 29, 1960, in Santa Monica, California, Randy was the daughter of Richard and
Elva Castello. She inherited an enthusiasm for life inspired by her loving parents whose pursuits
included acting and teaching. A high school class valedictorian, and later honors student in her
bachelor's and master's work, Randy entered the field of accounting working in industry for
several years before starting her thirty-six-year career as an instructor at West Valley
Community College in Saratoga, California, where she left her mark on a community of fine
educators, support staff, and administration. Serving as a negotiator for the teachers’ union,
Randy distinguished herself as a person of selfless professionalism and impeccable character. No
one knew the California Education Code like Randy.
As a spouse and mother, Randy was an anchor of purpose and a beacon of joyful learning.
Randy, her husband Duncan, and daughter Evan spent many summers traveling the West in “the
big red truck” visiting national parks, monuments, and friends across the country. Among the
many family gatherings each year was “pie night” held just before Thanksgiving. Close friends
and their children baked and celebrated in Randy’s kitchen. Comfort and laughter filled the
room.
Randy will be remembered for her kind spirit, dedication to family and friends, and her
infectious optimism, even in difficult times.
She is survived by her loving husband, Duncan Heath, loving daughter Evan Heath, and too
many family members, lifelong friends, colleagues, and students to name.
Several celebrations of life events will unfold over the coming months. In place of flowers, the
family requests donations to the Mount Rushmore National Monument, a favorite stop of
Randy’s. Your donations help fund the work of many young students from all over the world
who make the visit even more enjoyable.
Randy’s kindness, warmth, and wisdom changed the lives of many, and she will be deeply
missed. Somewhere out there is a winery with a picnic table. May we all join Randy there in the
distant future.