Irene Castles passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at her home in the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township. She was 87 years old.

Born in Orange, she has resided in Avenel since 1955.

Mrs. Castles was employed as an executive assistant at the Diocese of Metuchen for many years before retiring; and had previously worked in the recreation department of Amboy Care Center and as a librarian and secretary for the Woodbridge Township Board of Education.

She was a communicant of Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Avenel; a former Eucharistic Minister and member of the Rosary Society at the church; belonged to Golden Circle, Avenel Senior Citizens and the Woodbridge AARP; and, together with her husband, facilitated a bereavement group named Tea and Crumpets.

Her husband of 56 years, Joseph A. Castles, passed away in 2003. She was also predeceased by two sons, John Michael Castles in 1983 and William J. Castles in 1990; a brother, John Crawford; and a sister, Mary Meth.

Surviving are four daughters, Kathleen Cassidy of Woodbridge, Virginia Mingolla of Eatontown, Barbara Cavalieri of Schenevus, NY and Jeanne Storm of Medford; nine grandchidren; six great grandchildren; many brother and sister in laws; and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 9:00 a.m. from the Costello-Koyen Funeral Home (costello-koyen.com), 399 Avenel Street, Avenel. A Funeral Liturgy will follow at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Andrew Catholic Church, Avenel. Interment will be in Saint Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia. Visitation will be on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. and Monday 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Irene's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital  501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 would be greatly appreciated by the family.

A special thanks to Haven Hospice.