Valerie A Caston Coseo, age 95 of Gulf Breeze, FL went with the Lord Friday, August 16, 2024, after a long illness in Acworth, GA. She was born October 3,1928 in Vancouver BC, Canada to the late Joseph H. Gildemeester and Lorrie Ann Coltman. Valerie met Terry Glynn Caston in San Francisco, CA February 5, 1949, where he was a Navy 2nd class electronic tech, and worked as a Bell System telephone switchboard operator. On August 27, 1949, they married in the “Chapel on Treasure Island”, San Francisco Bay, CA.
Valerie volunteered for the Red Cross, working with elementary and high school special needs students in Hawaii. The family transferred to Pensacola, FL, where they made their home in Gulf Breeze, FL. After Terry’s retirement of 34 years as Commander, Valerie continued her job as a secretary with EPA, Sabine Island Dr., Gulf Breeze, FL. They had been married 37 years when her husband, Cmdr USN Terry G. Caston, Sr. passed away January 31st, 1984. They together had four children, 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
She later met and married Harold J. Coseo in Gulf Breeze, FL. They were married 19 years before he passed away Dec. 3, 2005.
Valerie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was a devout Catholic and sang in the choir at the Gulf Breeze First United Methodist Church. She was very artistic, performed in dance and musical theatre, loved sewing, cooking, and making beautiful dolls for her family. Life was filled with joy, laughter, music, and love among family and friends.
Survivors include her children, Terry G. Caston, Jr. (Libby) of Russellville, AR, Robert J. Caston (Rhonda) of Gulf Breeze, FL, Richard S. Caston (Kittie) of Acworth, GA, and Deborah “Debbie” A. Smith (retired Capt USMC Bryan), Triangle, VA.; grandchildren: SSG ARNG James Caston, Jr. (Janis), Georgetown, KY; Elizabeth “Liz” LaFleur, Milton, FL; Joe Caston (Melina), Bowling Green, KY; Christina Caston (Chris Harvey), Kennesaw, GA; Camille Smith, Kill Devil Hills, NC; Lt. USN Bryan Smith, Jr. (Evvie), Washington, DC; Caroline Smith, Washington, DC; great grandchildren: Penelope LaFleur, Miles LaFleur, Caiden Harvey, and a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Cmdr USN Terry Glynn Caston, Sr. and Harold J. Coseo, siblings: Robert “Bob”, Elizabeth “Betty”, Merle, and Lorne Gildemeester and Dolores, Ronald and Lavona McConnell.
We appreciate and thank the nurses and caregivers of Kennesaw Village, Canton Center for Nursing and Healing, Agape and Inspire Hospice for the wonderful care of Valerie.
Please join us for the Celebration of Valerie’s Life on Friday, September 6th, 10:30 am at Barrancas National Cemetery, pavilion - shelter B, Pensacola, FL. If you do not have a visitor’s pass, arrive at the main gate by 9:00 am. The guard will direct you to the Visitors Control (VCC), Pensacola, FL 32507. The family requests that any memorials be made to your favorite charity.
Georgia Funeral Care, 4671 South Main St, Acworth, GA 30101, phone 678-574-3016, is in charge of arrangements.
