Clara Rita Nicastro, a long-time resident of Lompoc, died Saturday, August 4, after a brief but heroic battle with lung cancer.

Born in 1941 in Pordenone, Italy, Clara spent her childhood and teen years with a small group of girlfriends whom she maintained a friendship with until death. Their foursome (Clara, Franca, Graciela, and Wilma), spent many happy hours dancing at the Astoria ballroom and meeting for espresso chats in the afternoons. Eventually, the friends married American GI's, with Clara marrying first. On September 1, 1963, at St. George's Cathedral in Pordenone, Italy, Clara married Donato Nicastro and described it as "the happiest day of her life."

Shortly thereafter, Paul and Monica were born, and the family moved to the USA. Settling in Lompoc, Clara made a loving home for her family. She spent many hours preparing gourmet meals, sewing stylish outfits, and gardening. Her grandchildren especially loved her 'green cake' a chocolate dessert with green whip cream laced with rum. Known for her generous hospitality, if someone visited the Nicastro house, you were immediately greeted with a drink in one hand and an Italian appetizer in the other.

Growing up in post-World War Two Italy, Clara learned to be resourceful and practical with very little. She carried that ability to do "more with less" throughout the course of her life. When she died, Clara did not own a dryer (she still hung her clothes on a clothesline), did not have a computer or cell phone, and watched movies from a small, color television from the thrift store. She didn't own a DVD or a VCR. Endearingly, her simple but practical ways helped us all to appreciate a slower and simpler time of life.

Clara loved preparing good food and enjoyed watching the Cooking channel on television-frequently experimenting with new meal ideas. She found great pleasure in going to the casino with friends, as well as finding peace and solace along coastal beaches as an avid salt water fisherman. Later, as she struggled with medical issues she was especially grateful to the doctors and medical staff who cared for her: Dr. Pedro Diaz; Dr. Geary; Dr. Case Ketting; and Dr. Donna Walker.

She is survived by her daughter, Monica Bilotta, son Deacon Paul Nicastro, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Donato Nicastro, her parents Aldo and Angelina DelleVedove, and her brother Luigi DelleVedove.

A funeral vigil at Starbuck Mortuary in Lompoc will be held on Friday, August 10, at 6 p.m. Son, Deacon Paul Nicastro will preside over the service.

Memorial gifts may be made to La Purisima Catholic Church, 213 West Olive Avenue, Lompoc, CA 93436.