Nina Castelin Isaac

Lansing, NY

Nina Castelin Isaac passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on June 10, 2014.

In 1930, Nina was born to Dwight and Louise Castelin in Myers, New York, a melting pot community of immigrants, which would later be a determining factor in her life. She was a member of the last graduating class of Ludlowville High School in 1948, prior to centralization of the school district. After graduation, Nina worked at Ithaca College where she was secretary to Dr. Laurence H. Hill, Dean of the School of Health and Physical Education. Growing up on American Hill Nina was destined to meet and marry the love of her life, the local World War II hero from Syrian Hill, George “Gus” Isaac. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in August of 2013. After their marriage, Nina became a member of the closely knit Syrian community where she learned and mastered the art of Syrian cooking of which Gus commented, “She cooked Syrian food better than the Syrians.” After her marriage Nina continued her career as administrative secretary at the Lansing Central School District until her retirement. Nina enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, gardening, and canning and preparing homegrown produce from Gus’ garden, but her time with her family and intimate friends was most treasured.

Nina was a member of the Lansing United Methodist Church for much of her life.

Survivors include her husband, George Isaac and two daughters, Judy Isaac and Pamela Fisk (Terry), and her grandchildren: Meggie, Dana, and Leigh Conley and Cassidy and Cody Fisk. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her sister Jane Delaney.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Nina’s memory may be directed to Hospicare,172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850

Family will receive friends on June12, 2014, from 5 to 7 pm at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Rd., Lansing, NY. A funeral service, officiated by Edie Reagan, will be held on June 13, 2014, at 11am at Lansing Funeral Home, followed by interment at Pine Grove Cemetery, Lansing.