LaDean Rae Castel was born in Nome, AK, on March 25th, 1968. She was the 2nd of 5 children of Katherine Castel and the late Peter Castel. LaDean grew up in Fairbanks and Nome.
In December of 1984 she gave birth to her only daughter, Shawna Castel. She graduated from Nome Beltz Jr/Sr High School in 1986. LaDean loved interacting with people and worked her entire life in the retail business. She left Alaska in 1990 and lived in Hot Springs, AR for about 7 years before returning to Alaska. She then resided in Anchorage and Fairbanks, but Nome was always her home. She returned to Nome in July 2021 to help care for her mother. LaDean enjoyed beading, crocheting, gardening, subsistence activities, hanging out family and friends, especially her two grandchildren who she loved most of all!!
LaDean left to be with the Lord on Saturday June 18th, 2022. She is survived by her daughter Shawna Castel and her two grandchildren Spencer and Imara Lytle of Spokane, WA. Her mother Katherine Castel. Sisters Barbara Castel, Valerie Pendleton, Roberta Castel, Rebecca Watkins and Suzanne “Leiki” Castel. Brothers Ralph “Chubby” Olanna, George “Corky” Castel, Randall Castel and Phillip “Guy Guy” Castel. She was preceded in death by her father Peter Castel, brothers Anthony Castel, James “Yo Yo” Nunooruk, Peter Castel Jr. and baby Randall Castel. LaDean will be rembered most for her beautiful beadwork she sold throughout Alaska, her loving and free spirit, sassy and witty sense of humor and willingness to help all in need. We will miss her beautiful smile and laugh!
Fly high LaDean Rae, until we meet again! We love you so much!
