Obituary of Sara Ellen Castelli

Sara Ellen Castelli, 75, of The Villages, FL, passed away at home unexpectedly July 10, 2019 with her husband at her side. 

Sara Ellen was an amazing individual taking on the world with optimism and fearlessness. She was a software engineer succeeding in a man’s profession in 1962! During the “Space Race” she designed many satellite telemetry systems including the Space Shuttle flight tests. Her career then turned to commercial projects focused on status and control; factory automation systems, nuclear power plant control and rapid transit systems. She loved to travel and lived in Europe, Asia, Canada, and many US cities managing projects. Her favorites times were living in Cypress and Germany.

Sara Ellen was an active member of St Mary's Episcopal Church and loved being part of a congregation with families and young children.  She was the former president of St Mary’s Episcopal Church Women, Sunday School teacher, webmaster, and communication liaison. Sara Ellen was a long-term member of the GFWC Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs, serving as President of three clubs, District Director, and member of the Florida Board of Directors. She was a supporter of Canine Companions for Independence for 30 years. She was on the CCI national and South East region board of directors during the building of the SE training center. Sara Ellen was the recipient of two CCI Service dogs; London, 2001 and Bennie, 1992.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, Bradley, her mother Beulah Case, and sisters; Dona Gant, Leah Mills, Zora Frazier. She was preceded in death her sister Anna West. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and their families who live in the Carolinas and Florida who brought great joy to her.

A memorial service in memory of Sara Ellen will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at 10:30 A.M., at St Mary's Episcopal Church, 5750 SE 115th St, Belleview, Florida with Rev. Lisa J. Wimmer officiating. A reception will follow at St. Mary’s. Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell Florida at 2:00 P.M.

Arrangements are being handled by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 5946 SE Robinson Rd, Belleview, FL 34420, (352) 201-3389.  Online Condolences may be expressed at www.hiers-baxley.com