Betty Collier Castigliola

Betty Collier Castigliola, 97, died May 2, 2023, in Pascagoula, MS, surrounded by her family. She was born March 3, 1926, in New Orleans and lived there until she moved to Gautier with her husband and children in 1955. In her early married years, Betty was a wife, mother, and homemaker for her family whom she adored. She was an excellent cook and her husband favored meals at home versus dining out, as the best food around was prepared by Betty at home on Italian Isle.

In later years, Betty tried her hand at entrepreneurship operating several businesses which were successful and fun for her. They included The Unlimited Party Store, where she sold New Orleans Style snowballs and Cajun Chili Dogs and is remembered by many as “The Snowball Lady.” At other times she had a Christmas Tree lot, a Fireworks stand and a Package Store.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Vincent Joseph Castigliola (2010) and her mother, Gladys Blust Collier, sisters baby Gladys Collier and Florence Collier Plescia (Nick), and brothers John A Collier, Jr. (Elaine), Jack F. Collier, Glay H. Collier; sister-in-law Carolyn C. Collier, and son-in-law James W. (Jimmie) White.

She is survived by her four children, son Vincent Joseph Castigliola, Jr. and his wife Marie Hollister Castigliola; daughters Betty Ann White; Debra Kelly; and Georgette Torjusen and her husband Phil. Betty is also survived by her twelve grandchildren, Jacob Castigliola White, Jonathan Christian White (Maggie), Anne Marie Castigliola Nicholson (Sam), Angela Kelly Lenderman (Matt), Betty Caroline Castigliola, Amanda Kelly Messina (Andrew), Vincent Joseph Castigliola III, Collier Torjusen Peavy (Patrick), Therese Castigliola Jones (Matt), Philip Henry Torjusen, Jr., Jazie Torjusen Miles (Gage), George Joseph Torjusen, as well as fifteen great grandchildren with number 16, due in June. Survivors also include her baby brother Edward W. Collier (Carolyn), two sisters-in-law Gayle Collier and Sandra Collier, son-in-law James C. (Jim) Kelly, and her very special friend and primary caregiver, Janie Hickson.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Sanctuary House, Dr. Randy Roth, Dr. Ryan Logan, Amy Rogers, NP, and the nursing staff at Singing River Hospital for providing excellent care for our precious mama and Nana over the recent years.

There will be a private family burial at Machpelah Cemetery with the Reverend Eddie Kirby officiating. Friends are invited to a Celebration of Betty’s Wonderful Life to be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, from 3 pm to 6 pm at the home of her son, Vincent, Jr., 919 Beach Boulevard, Pascagoula, MS.

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