Barb Castrilli

Barbara Castrilli brings her gentle appreciation of people to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Davedi where she has many Italian friends. Barb grew up in Nova Scotia thinking she had Irish roots from her mother’s family. When an Italian cousin of her father’s investigated the family tree, Barb and her siblings found out they were part of the Salterio family from Como and part of a book called “One Name, One Family”.

A more important Italian connection for Barb is her husband Giacinto (Jim) Castrilli who immigrated from Italy; he is a Molisano from Carpinone, Isernia. They met in North Bay, and have stayed here for over 50 years, taking trips back to Italy to show their family the heritage connections with that great culture.

Barb and Giacinto are very proud of their family; they have nurtured a group of young people who make a tremendous contribution to this Canadian city. Barb says “I am blessed. My daughters and grandchildren except for one have made roots here.” A cross stitched motto on the kitchen wall describes Barb’s welcome for the family: “A House is built by Human Hands. A Home is built by Human Hearts”. At every holiday throughout the year there is a full house with Michelina, Rita Ann, Donna, Carolina and their families and extended families and friends. Barb is always happy to care for her great grandchildren, on her days off that is, as she now works part time at Martyn Funeral home, quietly sharing her support and compassion in the office there.