Kearny Councilwoman Marytrine DeCastro was recognized for her diligent work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of the annual Hudson County Women’s History Month Celebration and Award Ceremony Thursday, March 30.
The theme this year was “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” and that is something she’s done quite a bit on her own time — not just in a pandemic era. The councilwoman is also a registered nurse and she quickly sprung into action once the severity of the pandemic became more and more clear. Her commitment has not wavered since.
Here’s how she was recognized in the ceremony’s program, which took place in the Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City.
“Marytrine DeCastro has lived in the Town of Kearny over 45 years. She is the proud parent of two sons, Jordan and Chad. Marytrine volunteered at West Hudson Hospital where she found her calling to become a nurse. When the pandemic hit, Marytrine helped manage health care resources including PPE procurement, dedicated hours of medical and health care to patients and residents and secured medical supplies, testing and vaccines.
“During the vaccine rollout, Marytrine helped vaccinate thousands of people. She supported continuation of community-health services including baby well care and flu clinics, blood drives, virtual Narcan training to combat the opioid crisis, virtual mental-health resources and food-box distribution. Marytrine is a healer, leader, advocate, mentor and problem solver in the field of nursing and a revered public servant.
“She possesses values of caring for those in need, compassion and respect for human dignity and is always ready to face the challenges of a changing health care system and make a difference in people’s lives.”
In attendance at DeCastro’s award ceremony were Mayor Alberto G. Santos, Council President Carol Jean Doyle and state Sen. Nicholas J. Sacco among many other dignitaries.
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Kevin A. Canessa Jr. is the editor of and broadcaster at The Observer, an organization he has served since 2006. He is responsible for the editorial content of the newspaper and website, the production of the e-Newspaper, writing several stories per week (including the weekly editorial), conducting live broadcasts on social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook, and X, including a weekly recap of the news — and much more behind the scenes. Between 2006 and 2008, he introduced the newspaper to its first-ever blog — which included podcasts, audio and video. Originally from Jersey City, Kevin lived in Kearny until 2004, lived in Port St. Lucie. Florida, for four years until February 2016 and in March of that year, he moved back to Kearny to return to The Observer full time. Click Here to send Kevin an email.