CATARINA ATHENA CASTRUCCIO-PRINCE
APRIL1,1980 - DECEMBER 22,2021
It is with heavy hearts that the Castruccio (STX), Ester (WI) and Prince (STX) Families share this notice. Catarina died suddenly of unknown causes at her Washington, DC home, while preparing for the December 24th trip to spend the Christmas Season on her "Beloved" St. Croix.
Catarina is survived by her devoted husband, Brandon A. Ester, Mother: Carolyn A. Castruccio: Father: Lloyd O. Prince, Jr., Grandfather: Capt. Nicholas A. Castruccio, USNRET (aka Pudentain), Great Aunt Gwendolyn Lucas, In-Laws: Charles and Teresia Ester; Sister-In-Law, Alicia Ester; Godmothers: Cecile Castruccio-Dereu, Catherine Prince; Godfathers: Anthony Castruccio, Joseph Gerard Prince; Goddaughter: Sierra Green. She is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends scattered across the earth, who mourn this tragic loss.
She is pre-deceased by her Grandparents: Catherine Lucas Prince, Lloyd Otis Prince, Sr., and Anne A. Castruccio (aka Mimi), and Aslan, her treasured Maine Coon cat.
Catarina pursued her education at Harvard University, 2001 AB in Biological Anthropology: University of Miami, 2015 Masters of Public Health. At the time of her death she was on staff at George Washington University Mullan Institute focusing on health policy and work force equity.
Catarina work experiences took her to the Sackler Museum (Harvard), The Getty Foundation, James Renwick Alliance (Renwick Gallery), Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett's Office, University of Miami School of Engineering and George Washington University Development Departments. She was good at getting people to part with money for a good cause. (Honing that skill on her mom!)
Catarina leaves a rich legacy of friendship, adventure and "joie de vivre." Her "energy" was not limited to the boundaries of St. Croix, the USA, her St. John Country Day School family, her Harvard Classmates or her Los Angeles kickball teammates. She befriended people all over the world through her love of sending/receiving "Postcards" and "letters" sharing the joy and excitement of receiving "snail mail" and connecting. Her husband, Brandon, experiences this " connectivity" on a daily basis even now.
She was passionate about many things: food and health inequity, animal rescues, voting rights and climate change. A big one was sailing and the sea. St. Croix and her "Pudentain" instilled a love for both. She got her "sea-legs" at 2yrs aboard ANNICK II on her first open water-crossing from St. Croix to St. Thomas. She loved the thrill of taxiing through the harbor in the Seaplane Shuttle's Mallard as it's hull transitioned from the water to flying in the air banking over Long Reef. That same thrill was to be had in sailing over the water suspended in a trapeze. (She was fond of "speed" anyone who had the pleasure of riding in her car would attest to.) She spent her summers teaching sailing and racing skills to St. Croix youngsters. She took this "love" to the Harvard Sailing Team, where she earned a varsity letter. She enjoyed running into fellow Virgin Islanders on the collegiate sailing circuit. The icy waters of the Charles River did not limit her horizons. She embraced the experience and broke up the river ice like a "local." (The dry suit did help!) The water sports did not stop there. The challenge and thrill of rowing crew for Quincy House Women's Intramural Team was an annul commitment.
Prior to getting her MPH, she worked seven years for The Getty Foundation in Los Angeles. Museums occupied a special place in her heart. She was ready to share and experience a "must see" exhibit or artifact. You might find yourself facing the Tsavor Lions at the Field Museum, a Chinese House at the Peabody Essex Museum, or Mayan ruins from Copan, Honduras. The Getty Museum provided a daily feast of art and artifacts for her. This fed her soul.
Catarina lived her life with dignity and grace. She was the "captain of her ship." She fiercely loved and embraced those who surrounded her. As an only child, she had many "adopted siblings" (the best kinds). Her infectious smile, laughter, kindheartedness, and her ability to break into song will be missed. These memories will be cherished.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Boston non-profit, Partners in Health; Adopt a Cherry Tree on the National Mall; Sheldrick Wildlife Trust-Adopt a Baby Elephant or a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Mass- at 11:00a, Saturday, May 7, 2022, St. Dominic Catholic Church in Washington, DC and St Croix, USVI Memorial, Thursday, April 14, 2022, St. Croix Yacht Club 4:00p-5:30p.
