Anna "Josephine" Kastel

April 11, 1918 - February 16, 2014

Obituary

 

Anna Olson was born in a log cabin on her family’s homestead in Chewelah, Washington. She was the second child born to Eric Olson, of Sweden, and Olive Eleanor Carefoot.  Her family realized she was Deaf as a young child, and sent her to the Washington School for the Deaf when she was six years old.  She loved coming home to the ranch each summer, even though there were many chores.  She even had a pet badger!  She graduated from WSD in 1939, and remained in Vancouver for much of adult life.  She worked in the dining hall, and as a matron in the dormitories.  She married her high school sweetheart, Oliver Kastel after he completed his college studies at Gallaudet College in 1943.  Together they remained active in the Deaf community of Vancouver, working at the school, and being members of WSDAA and WSAD for many years.  Anna was a house parent and rose to the position of Dean of Girls at Clarke Hall.  She offered support and guidance to many deaf children and teens during her career.  She retired from the school to become a mom, and was loving and well-loved.

Oliver and Anna worked together to build their home in the Minnehaha neighborhood of Vancouver, and had a large garden with fruit trees, that was kept well into their retirement years. Many enjoyed the canned and frozen fruits, vegetables, jams and butters that Anna and Oliver prepared each year. Anna and Oliver had one child, Nancy Ann, who was their pride and joy, having adopted her after several years of trying to have a baby of their own.  Anna thoroughly enjoyed being a mother and grandmother.  She actively supported the Lamplighters Chapter of the Children’s Home Society of Washington, and was a founding member of the Evergreen Mothers Club, with several of her Deaf friends.

Anna enjoyed sewing and needlework of all types, cooking, and art.  She always kept her mind alert and active, learning new things, and focusing on staying as healthy as she could through diet, nutrition and exercise.  When Oliver’s health began to fail in 1997, they moved to Federal Way, Washington to live near Nancy and her family.  Their move to Village Green was a big change, but it became home to Anna. She had many friends at Village Green, and appreciated their friendship over the years. 

Anna is survived by her sister Dorothy Lawrence, of Chewelah, two younger brothers, John William “Willie” Moore and Frantz Seigel Moore, daughter Nancy Fitta, son in law Mike, grand children Russ Cochran (Sarah), Alix White, Crystal Perez (Ron) and Heather Nighbor (Jer), and great grandchildren Reaghan, Braydon, Ryan and Chase, in addition to nieces and nephews.  Anna was predeceased by her beloved Ollie in 1999, and brothers Oscar Olson and Harold Moore.

Nancy and the family want to thank the friends and staff at Village Green for making her feel welcome and at home for so many years.  At her request, services will be private and small.  In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Washington School for the Deaf Alumni Association (WSDAA) or a charity of your choosing.

 

 

 

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Ann & Jack Nussbaum
Ann & Jack Nussbaum
4 years ago

A lovely tribute to your Mom. We will all miss her very much.

Dorothy Fitta
Dorothy Fitta
4 years ago

Our deepest sympathy.to the family .

Anna was a gentle,. loving..devote mother, mother in law, and grandmother and friend..We will miss her very much …

Trish Prebilsky
Trish Prebilsky
4 years ago

Anna was a very special lady. I had the opportunity to work at Village Green Retirement Campus and share her friendship. She will deeply missed.

Michael & Maryann OBrien
Michael & Maryann OBrien
4 years ago

I knew Anna and Oliver in Vancouver WA in the early 1960’s when they attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. They were gentle and caring friends and they were very solicitous for the students at WSSD. May they now share the joy of their married life together in heaven.

Carey Price
Carey Price
4 years ago

Anna will be greatly missed and I had known her while I was a student at WSD but I had gotten to know her more the past several years when I interviewed her for the WSDAA Newsletter. We had developed a special friendship. I went to visit with her up in Federal Way and ate lunch a few times. It was fun time and also, for us to use videophone to communicate and she was such a wonderful lady. I am blessed for getting to know her. I love her!!

Allan James Kiley
Allan James Kiley
4 years ago

I was privileged to be the nephew of Aunt Anna. Being around her always made me feel cared about. She radiated love to all that she came in contact with. I will miss her.

Marlene Akesson
Marlene Akesson
4 years ago

Our mothers were such special friends. They shared a unique bond from their school years at the Washington School for the Deaf. I remember my mother talking about your mother with such fondness. There were many wonderful memories from their school days together. I wish they could have lived nearer to each other in the years after school, but it was always a good time when they could visit- either in Vancouver or Renton… or somewhere in-between. I know your Mom is now happy in heaven with her Oliver.