Leona Marie (Castano) Lorber, 81, of Dennis, MA, died at home with her loving husband caregiver by her side, on Tuesday, April 1.

She is survived by her husband, Terry Lorber, of 52 years; her brother Raymond Castano and wife Gail (Webby) Castano of West Yarmouth, MA; and her children, Terry Lorber II and Lara Goodman of Swampscott, MA, Lea Lorber Martin and Jason Martin of Nashua, NH, and Shana Lorber and Michael Montas of Brewster, MA. She was a loving and beloved grandmother to Eli, Mitchell, Lionel, Everett, and Arrianna, and a dear aunt to many Castano, Knott, and Yannone nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sister Carol (Castano) Yannone.

Whether known as Nanny or Nana, the grandkids enjoyed baking cookies, making blueberry pancakes, and eating lots of ice cream with her. She was a proud audience member at many piano recitals and plays. Holiday parties, trips to the pond, riding the power chair, the animal crackers game, and supper on the back deck will be cherished memories.

She was born to the late Raymond and Louise (Brusseau) Castano, August 13, 1943, in Brockton, MA. She grew up surrounded by cousins – Brusseau, Carrioula, Castano, Haskell, Siciliano, Simmons, and Solari. Sampson’s Pond in Carver, MA was a favored spot for these families every Sunday after church in the summer for cookouts and swimming.

She was a graduate of Brockton High School, Class of 1961, when she met lifelong friend Sheila (Quill) Gillen. Leona attended Framingham State College and received her Bachelor’s of Science in Education in 1965. She taught home economics and science at Brockton and Silver Lake High Schools in the late 60s and early 70s, when she met long-time friend Alice Hogan. Leona drove cross-country with her great friends Sheila and Sandy (Coots) LaCivita in 1966.

She purchased her cottage by Flax Pond in Dennis, MA, for $9,000 in 1968. It was a reasonable summer rental for many friends from Concord, NH. Please clean up, strip the beds, and do the laundry before you leave on Saturday! A few lucky nieces and nephews received a one-week stay as a high school graduation present (a gift her children still have trouble comprehending). Her family was at the cottage every weekend they could get there, and for two weeks every August. It remains a cherished family gathering place.

Leona was a member of the Randolph Ski Club of North Conway, NH, with many Brockton and Framingham friends. One of them, Joan (Howes) O’Donnell invited weekend skiers “Harry, Terry, and Jerry” – who were stationed at the Army’s Cold Regions Lab at Hanover, NH – down to the Cape in 1970. Leona and Terry married in 1972, one week after her brother Ray and Gail.

After starting their family and living in Terry’s hometown of Muscatine, IA, they moved to Barre Town, VT, and then to Concord, NH. They lived in Concord from 1978 to 2014 “on the Heights” before returning to the cottage in Dennis on the Cape. Leona was a lifelong homemaker, an accomplished seamstress, a Den Mother, an active volunteer in her church and local schools, a teacher, and the benefits administrator at Provan & Lorber, Inc. The families of Dame School and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church put on fundraisers and parties, and they put on fundraisers that turned into parties. The Dame School Spring Fling became a reality.

Leona created fantastic Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren. She sewed costumes for entire casts for school plays, as well as bleacher seat and tuba covers for the Concord High School Crimson Tide Marching Band. She endlessly encouraged and supported her children with music lessons, science camps, summer plays, and swimming and cross-country skiing to name a few activities. She will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Leona’s memory can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Visiting Hours will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave, South Yarmouth, MA 02664. A Funeral Mass in Leona’s honor will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025 at St Pius X Parish, Station Ave, South Yarmouth, MA 02664.

Please enjoy Leona's Tribute Movie by clicking on this link: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/HKHWKN8QFMKHDW5S

Donations in Leona’s memory may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, https://mda.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=78343

Terry and children my heart breaks at the passing of Leona. First time I met her , she had such infectious personality and laughter. When My sister Linda and I made the trip to the cottage it was a wonderful trip we will always remember .May wonderful memories help you all thru this difficult time! With love Christine

Dear Terry and family, We are sorry for your loss. We have many wonderful memories of Leona. Our hearts are with you. Love, Pat

To the Lorber Family, So sorry to hear of Leona passing. So many wonderful memories x-c skiing with her and all the family. Leona was a wonderful person and always ready to help with all the x-c ski families. Sincerest condolences for your loss and hope you will be comforted as you remember the good time. Sincerely Jeanne Bailey and Family

Dear Terry, Terry Jr, Lea and Shana, This is Andy Dusseault from Concord, NH expressing to all of you our deepest sympathies on the passing of Leona. We read it in the Concord Monitor this morning. I will always remember her wonderful smile, her laugh, her generosity ad her involvement at IHM and her family. I had to try to support my 2 Scout friends from the "Tooth of Time" (Terry and Terry Jr) as well as all of your family. We are fine. Claire, my wife as well as Ray, my oldest and Jeff, my youngest are doing fine. Ray has 2 girls and Jeff has a boy and a girl. Jeff was Scoutmaster for his son Jacob and Jacob also became an Eagle Scout. All 4 grandkids are out of college and working. Our youngest, Julia will be getting married in September. I have no idea how they all got so old for I am as crazy as ever and enjoying every bit of it. We are all sorry for your loss and we will hold you in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days. All the best from your friends in Concord, NH. Andy,Claire,Ray & Kristen,Jeff & Angela,Maddie,Jacob,Jillian and Julia Dusseault

So sorry to learn of Leona's passing. Leona (& Terry) lived in Concord NH for many years. Leona was always involved in school and PTO events and the family was also active in the catholic community as members of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. One of my favorite memories of Leona was her portrayal of a member of the "Leader of the Pack" skit at the local school lip sync contest. Fun times and great memories. Thoughts and prayers go out to Terry and the family.

I have so many good memories of Mrs. Lorber. The first time I remember meeting her Terry snd Lea were pulling her on a sled. I remember amazing Halloween parties, her lovely parents, yummy food and of course all the good family times on Pelham Lane. She was especially kind to me when I was in a wheelchair and I never thought I would walk again. She told me she believed I would walk again and so I did! Terry, Young Terry, Lea and Shana, we will be thinking of you.

Have you seen my cousin Leona? You know she is up to something in those heavens. The stories will shine the laughter will echo. How her laugh and Holy Mackerel does ring a tune. What a lady with determination to conquer all odds she did life so well. Terry, you are one super hero and we will carry your love for Leona and her gifted spirit close in our heart's pocket. Love to the family one and all. She loved plenty good.