A beautiful soul and wonderful mother, Carol Sue Castillo Emmons passed peacefully on November 2, 2017. Born March 7, 1934 to the late Arthur and Alma Castillo. Carol Sue was predeceased by her loving husband “Bill” William H. Emmons. Carol Sue leaves behind her son Todd, his wife Leslie Bonanno and their children Alex and Sydney; as well as her daughter Lindsey, her husband Gary Ryan and their two sons, William and John Thomas as well as John’s wife Hedda Peterson. She will also be dearly missed by her brother Art Castillo and his wife Jeanne, nieces Amy Castillo and her husband Steve Atcheson, Joy Castillo and her partner Robert and; nephew A.T. Castillo, his wife Linda and their sons Gordon and Stewart. Also Bill’s favorite cousin, Perry Neare and his wife Sandee will miss her dearly as well as many many friends.
Carol Sue grew up in Verona and graduated from Verona High in 1952. She attended and graduated from Endicott Junior College with a business degree. While working in New York City after graduation, Carol Sue met the love of her life, Bill Emmons, at the Jersey Shore. They married in 1958 and had two children, Lindsey and Todd. Carol Sue and Bill would raise their own family in the same house where Carol Sue grew up on Oakridge Road. Many summers of fun and frolic continued with the family at the shore in Bay Head. Here, lifelong friendships and lasting memories were made and continue to this day.
Carol Sue was known for her genuine upbeat, loving and caring personality. Whether it be with kids, co-workers, customers or even the person at the register, Carol Sue always had a smile and a heartfelt hello! Carol Sue was a very giving person. She spent many years volunteering at the Verona Service League and in later years at Willing Hearts Consignment shop in Caldwell. If you asked Carol Sue to help or for a favor her answer was always a sincere Yes, Of course!
Decorating was her talent and passion, whether it be her home at 34 Oakridge or her stylish self, Carol Sue was all that!! In the 60s and early 70s you could see her talent in the store windows in downtown Verona – or in the creative Halloween costumes she made from scratch each year. Carol Sue’s Christmas tree was always the prettiest in the land. In later years, she turned to gardening and that became a new passion and a useful hobby. She loved creating beauty and style.
Carol Sue was the master entertainer. Her table settings were stunning! The food – always plentiful and delicious. Whether it was a birthday party for children or a fancy dinner party with their many friends, Carol Sue took pride her creativity and planning. Holidays were especially memorable with Sue Sue. As children, visits from The Great Birthday, The Great Pumpkin, The Great Bunny, and The Great Valentine were always anticipated with excitement. The famous “string” tied to your bed with rhyming clues as to where to find the treasure will be a family tradition for generations to come.
The light of Sue Sue’s life were her four grandchildren: John Thomas, Will, Alex and Sydney. Sue Sue was the world’s greatest grandmother EVER. She was still a kid herself and spent many hours playing with the grandkids. She would drive to Vermont to be a part of John and Will’s school events or soccer games. There were trips to New York City to see the sights, museums, and plays; ride the train or the subway or just simply play in the backyard or playground. There were Boardwalk adventures at the shore, summer sails in Vermont, and winters spent cross country skiing or just having a snowball fight. There was never a dull moment with Sue Sue!! That bond will never be broken and always be cherished.
Carol Sue carried herself with grace and beauty right up into her last months of life. It came from within. Carol Sue left a lasting impression on all those that knew her. Her style, her “hootspa” as John Thomas would say, made her one of those people you just wanted to be around. Her smile and giggle infectious – right up until her last days. We love you Sue Sue and will keep you close to our hearts forever………………
Her entire family would like to thank Arden Courts of West Orange for the five years of love and support they gave their mother and the family. It is their skill and sincere caregiving that made Carol Sue’s last years full of dignity, love and laughter. For that the family will be forever grateful.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Alzheimer’s New Jersey. ( They recently split from the national affiliate so that more of the funds go directly where they are needed most and not administrative costs.)
Services are planned for Saturday the 18th of November at 10:15 at Our Lady of the Lake Church Lakeside Avenue, Verona.
