Alice Jennings Castelli

After a long and active life, Alice Jennings Castelli passed away peacefully in the early morning of Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at Evergreen Woods, North Branford, CT after a brief illness. Her family was with her in her final days and hours. Born in Winchester, MA, to Irving and Ellen Jennings, Allie had a lively, optimistic, and determined spirit. She was a loving mother to her four children, and a devoted sister and friend.

Graduating in 1950 from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, Allie served in the Navy before her marriage to Rudolph Castelli in 1951. They married in Washington D.C. and she was fond of reminding Rudy that, were they still in the Navy, he would have to salute her because she outranked him. After having four children Allie went back to school and earned two Master’s Degrees, one in Early Childhood Education, and another in Special Education. She worked for many years as Director of Admissions at the Madison Country Day School, and loved her job. She always said she would do it for free and that her paycheck was a lovely bonus.

Allie was active in the SARAH Foundation for many years and served as President of the Board of Directors. Her handicapped son, Peter, was the inspiration for her involvement and also for her career helping children learn. She referred to Peter as her greatest teacher. Gardening, music, literature, and travel helped to round out her life, as well as an appreciation for somewhat risqué jokes. She loved a good laugh.

Allie lived in Madison for 50 years and enjoyed the beach. Her children have fond memories of riding on her back while she did the breaststroke in the Sound, clinging to her as if they were on the back of a sea turtle. She moved to Evergreen Woods in 2013 with her close friend and companion, Bob Bundgaard. Bob and Allie enjoyed life there and made many friends.

Allie was predeceased by her husband, Rudolph Castelli; her close friend and companion, Robert Bundgaard; her sister, Ann Taussig; and her brother, Charles “Skip” Jennings. She leaves behind her twin sister, Elisabeth “Betsy” Maley and her husband, Bill, of Orange, CT; sister-in-law Nancy Jennings of Boynton Beach, FLA; daughter, Martha Hansen (and Donald) of East Haddam, CT; sons Peter W. Castelli of North Branford, CT; William Castelli (Kari Nelson) of Clinton, CT; and Daniel J. Castelli (Sharon Ligorner) of Easthampton, MA; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was a loving grandmother to her grandchildren: Josh Murphy, Abby Biboux, Ora and Evan Castelli, and great-grandchild, Tom Biboux.

We are very grateful to the staff at Evergreen Woods, who provided excellent care for Allie in the past year, protecting her from COVID, and caring for her in the Health Center in her final weeks. Our thanks also to the VNA Community Healthcare and Hospice nurses, social workers, and volunteers for their support.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in her name to the SARAH Foundation, 246 Goose Lane, Suite 104, Guilford, CT; or High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, 36 Town Woods Rd, Old Lyme, CT. Due to the current uncertain nature of public health no memorial service has yet been planned.