Westborough, Natick Resident Was Longtime Coordinator for Charles River Center in Needham

Obituary as posted on Westborough Funeral Homes

Mary Jane Casten, 95, formerly of Westborough and Natick, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at the Coleman House in Northborough.

Born in Leicester, MA, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Sophia (Nowak) Browning.

Mary Jane was a coordinator for the Charles River Center in Needham where she was a passionate advocate for many, especially those with Down’s Syndrome.

She was a communicant of St. Luke the Evangelist Church, Westborough and a former member of St. Patrick’s Church, Natick. She enjoyed antiques, flowers, traveling, spending time at the beach and cooking. Her pride came from her children who she not only taught how to live but how to give.

Mary Jane is survived by five children, Christina J. Casten, Faris E. Casten, Peter B. Casten, Gregory C. Casten and Caroline Casten Dee; grandchildren, Carly Casten, Sophia Dee, Hannah Dee, Allison Casten and Laura Casten; great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Lucas and Jordan.

She was also the loving mother of the late Raymond “Jock” Casten.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 5, at 10:30 A.M. in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Holliston.

Calling hours at the Rand-Harper-Pickering Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough, are Sunday, January 4, from 2 to 4 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Charles River Center, 59 East Militia Heights Rd., Needham, MA 02492