Mavis Joan (Smith) Casto

Casto, Mavis Joan Smith, 98, of Largo, Florida passed away on September 4, 2024. She was born on June 19,1926, in Beck Row, England. She was very proud of her British heritage and often reminisced about fond memories she had growing up, including the time when “Princess Elizabeth” visited her village when they were both children.

Mavis was a WWII bride who came to the United States in 1946. Her husband was an Appalachia coal miner, and she worked in a factory after they moved from West Virginia to Ohio. She finally found her “happy place” in Florida and was a 45-year resident of Lake Seminole Resort. In addition to being the matriarch of her own large, extended family, Mavis was also the beloved and inspirational matriarch of her Lake Seminole community.

She has a large family spread throughout the United States and England. She cherished her time with family and was dedicated to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. All of the “kids” have fond memories of their “Nanny” as they called her. Mavis lived life to the fullest and enjoyed going out to dinner with family and friends, attending plays and performances at Ruth Eckerd Hall, knitting, gardening, cooking, and holiday baking. Holiday baking time always included her apron, hair net, burning candle, and music playing. Her cooking was a staple of holidays and family get togethers and although her recipes continue to live on, no one can make them quite like Nanny did.

Mavis was adventurous and never let her age stop her from enjoying life. She looked forward to North Carolina mountain vacations and even enjoyed river rafting well into her 90’s. Young at heart and always up for excitement, Mavis also loved kayaking with her grandson, taking a spin on the back of her granddaughter’s motorcycle, and was recently spotted “climbing” into a sports car with a friend. And, she never turned down a cold beer and chicken wings!

Mavis was a huge fan of Elvis, Hulk Hogan, and Sheriff Grady Judd. She also was a friend of animals. Her grandchildren often referred to her as an “animal whisperer” as there was never a dog, cat, squirrel, bird, or living creature that didn’t love her. She held a special place in her heart for her beloved late Pomeranian, Bambi, as well as all of her grand dogs.

A few weeks ago, she had the opportunity to hold her namesake, a one-year-old great-granddaughter named Mavis. In addition to being a treasured mom and Nanny, she was also described as, “the best mother-in-law anyone could ever ask for.” Mavis made quite an impression on everyone who knew her, and she will always hold a special place in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched.

During her last days, Mavis was recovering from hip surgery at a rehabilitation facility. She wanted to attend church, so one of her granddaughters brought church to her. Hours before her passing, Mavis spent time with a family pastor. She shared about her church in England and they read scripture, sang Amazing Grace, and talked about the love of Jesus.

Mavis is survived by a son, Colin (Bonnie) of Lakenheath, England, daughters Gerry of Macedonia, Ohio and Theresa of Painesville, Ohio, 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth, daughters Yvonne and Linda, son Larry, sons-in-law Kerry, Leo, and Walt, granddaughter Larissa, grandsons-in-law John and Paul, great-granddaughter Stella, brother Robin, and sisters Doris and Rini.

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