Lillian Tanis Castimore

Lillian Tanis Castimore of Lafayette, N.J., was called to her heavenly home by her Savior Jesus Christ. She was a devoted Christian, having attended Lafayette Federated Church and First Presbyterian Church of Branchville, N.J., where she served as an elder.

She was predeceased by her parents Jacob and Anna Tanis; three brothers, William Tanis of North Haledon, Dr. John Tanis of Branchville, and Jacob Jr. of Augusta; and her daughter Mary Ann Castimore Lent, a 30-year victim of breast cancer.

Lillian is survived by her husband of 73 years, Emery Castimore; her son Dr. Emery Castimore Jr. (Sam), his wife Joan Flanagan, and his children Nathan and Emery at home; Matthew and his wife Leighanne of Sparta, N.J., their children Henry and Lolly at home, and Robin Sue of Newton; her daughter Candace Moose and her husband, James, of Rumson, N.J., and their children Bradford and his wife Lauren Elizabeth, their children Elizabeth and Tyson-at home; and their daughter Lauren Ann Riley and husband Timothy and their children Lilah and Dane-at home.

Lil graduated from Newton High School in 1947 and attended Pennyan Aquatic School where she honed her skills at water safety and later gave swim lessons in the family pool. Additionally, she attended Penn Hall in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Lil was a proud supporter of Newton Memorial Hospital, serving on both the Junior Auxiliary and later the Senior Auxiliary, who raised funds for the hospital. Emery and Lillian hosted several highly successful Garden Parties at the family homestead.

She was extremely proud of her three children. They were encouraged at an early age to participate in community affairs, which all three of them did in a variety of ways.

She lived a very full life and was blessed to enjoy her family, travel, flowers, birds, sunsets, and wild animals that roamed their property.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, March 1 at First Presbyterian Church of Newton.

Memorial Donations can be made to Somerset Hills Learning Center, 1810 Burnt Mills Road, Bedminster, NJ, 07921.