In Loving Memory of
Katheryn Elsie Casista (née Moyer)
1942 - 2025
Obituary of Katheryn Elsie Casista (née Moyer)
Katheryn passed away peacefully at home, per her wishes, surrounded by her loving family on August 20, 2025 at the age of 83. She was the devoted mother and best friend to her daughters, Chantal (Richard) Visi and Christine (A.J.) Pendragon, with whom she shared an extraordinary bond of love and friendship. She will be lovingly remembered by her cherished grandchildren, Celeste (Trevor) and Aurora (Michael). To them, she was everything, and they to her. Dear sister to Dan Moyer and sister-in-law to Sharon O'Grady. Beloved aunt to her nephew Bryan Moyer, nieces Jocelyne Moyer (Cory Minkhorst), Allison Moyer (John Sutton), Lauren Moyer, great-niece Eleanor Minkhorst and great-nephew Arthur Minkhorst. Katheryn will be missed by her longtime friends John and Gail Payne, Dinesh (Yogini) Patel, and Heidi (Greg) Lansky, who was a daughter in her heart. Predeceased by her parents Arthur Batiste Moyer & Nellie Christina Moyer and by her best friend Thelma MacKinnon.At the age of 18, Katheryn left home to serve in the RCAF as a Fighter Control Operator (FCO) at RCAF Station Foymount (Pinetree Line) from February 1961 to June 1963. She was responsible for tracking domestic and foreign aircraft during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Katheryn was deeply proud of her service. This was also where she met her lifelong best friends, John and Gail Payne, who would go on to become the beloved godparents of her daughter, Chantal.
A creative soul, Katheryn spent her early years painting and crafting. She was also an avid reader. Katheryn loved the beauty of the outdoors, and she felt most at home in nature. She loved forests, waterways, and gardens. Family cottaging trips and vacations together created some of the family's most treasured memories.
Katheryn’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her medical support team who supported her with compassion, providing her care in life and ease in death.
In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held at Essentials Cremation and Burial Services, 221 Division St., Welland on Tuesday, August 26th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. In honour of her bright and joyful spirit, those attending are encouraged to wear their snazziest, most colourful outfits and a hat - just as Katheryn would have loved.
If desired, donations may be directed toward the completion of Katheryn’s Secret Garden memorial, a special outdoor space being finished in her honour (donations may be made via e-transfer to [email protected]) or to the Niagara Parks Foundation.
Service Information
Visitation
Date: August 26, 2025Start Time: 6:30 pm
End Time: 8:30 pm
Venue: Essentials Cremation and Burial Services Inc. - Welland, 221 Division St, Welland, ON L3B 4A1
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Donations
The family of Katheryn Elsie Casista (née Moyer) would like you to consider placing a donation to one of the following charities:
Niagara Parks FoundationVisit Site
Donations may be directed toward the completion of Katheryn’s Secret Garden memorial, a special outdoor space being finished in her honour (donations may be made via e-transfer to [email protected])
Note: If you plan on making a donation, please notify the family by posting a condolence.
We send our deepest sympathies to all of Kathy’s loving family. She was a lovely person and will be missed.
We would love to make a donation to Kathryn’s Secret Garden.
May you finally rest and in peace Katheryn. You will be missed by all that knew you and had the pleasure of meeting you. Your family will always take care of each other, just as you taught them. Sensing all my love, Andreana xo
Any friend of Gail’s and John’s is a friend of mine. Clearly Chantel was a very special person and I send condolences to her family and friends
I met Kay while crafting with Chantal many years ago. She was such a warm and welcoming person, always friendly and genuinely interested in what was going on in the lives of Chantal’s friends. Even up to a couple months ago, still asking how my journey was going!
To Chantal, Rich, and the girls, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of such a wonderful mom and Nana. I know how deeply she was loved and how greatly she will be missed. The memories you carry of her kindness and presence will always be with you, offering comfort in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.
Though words can never fully ease the pain of losing someone so dear, I hope you find solace in the love of family and friends. May her memory bring you peace and love in her Secret Garden ❤️
With deepest sympathy,
Miaco Hildebrand
Victor and I extend our deepest condolences to your family. Your memories of Katheryn will live on forever. Bringing you joy and comfort.when you are in sorrow.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family throughout this difficult time.
DeepestSympathies
Wendy and Victor Colmenero
Christine and Chantal, I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom, There is nothing like a mother’s love and I know your fond memories of her will keep her close in your hearts.
My deepest condolences to all. It was always a pleasure to see Kathy at our family gatherings over the years. Her easy going and colourful personality will be missed, and those amazing deviled eggs!!