Deanna Casalandra Wish, 69, of 716 Sunset Valley Road, New Castle, PA entered into eternal life on Sunday morning, Mothers Day, May 09, 2010, at her home.

Deanna was born April 11, 1941 in New Castle a daughter of Charles Lee and Teresa Pescuneri Casalandra.

She was a 1959 alumna of New Castle High School and earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English from Youngstown State University where she later taught in the English department.

Deanna founded Wish Designs USA in 1978 and had her primary showroom in High Point, N.C. She sold her products throughout the world with showrooms in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago and New York. She was extremely passionate about her work and considered the company to be a blessing in her life. Her business was featured in many publications, including The New York Times.

Deanna was very active with civic and charitable organizations. She served on the board of directors for Easter Seals and the American Cancer Society. Deanna co-hosted the WKST radio show, 'Double Talk'. She was a member of Rotary International and past president (2003-04) of Rotary Club # 89 in New Castle. Deanna wrote a book commemorating the 100th anniversary of Rotary titled 'The History of Rotary: 1913-2004' as a fund raising project and founded the Rotary's 'Entrepreneur of the Year Award'. She was a Rotary International 'Paul Harris Fellow'.

Deanna and her husband were fortunate to travel the world and enjoyed writing books on their adventures. Most important in her life, however, was her Roman Catholic faith. She was an active member of Mary, Mother of Hope Parish, St. Mary's Church, New Castle. Deanna was currently working on photographing the stained glass windows in St. Mary's Church for a coffee table book. Deanna will be remembered by many for her creativeness, her fierce determination, her passion and her love.

Surviving are: her husband at home, Ed Wish, whom she married February 8, 1964; her mother, Teresa Casalandra, to whom she was incredibly devoted; a daughter, Merit Phillips and her husband Ronald; and a son, Michael Wish, Esq. and his wife Michelle, all of New Castle; seven grandchildren, Bryce, Brandon and Brett Enscoe; Taylor and Hunter Phillips; and Reagan and Shenley Wish; two sisters, Estelle Kallaher and her husband Ray, Thousand Oaks, CA; and Charlene Brandstetter and her husband Dr. Louis Brandstetter, Santa Rosa Valley, CA; and six nieces and nephews: Raymond, Brian, Bruce and Tara Kallaher; and Louie and Eric Brandstetter.

Deanna was preceded in death by her father on February 19, 1965.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Deanna's memory to: New Castle Rotary, # 89, P.O. Box 5085, New Castle, PA 16105.

In keeping with Deanna's wishes, there are no calling hours.

Friends may email condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Mass of Christian burial will be at noon Wednesday (5-12-10) in Mary, Mother of Hope Parish, St. Mary's Church, with the Rev. Victor J. Molka, Jr., pastor, as celebrant. Deanna requests that her friends attend the Mass and a reception, which will be immediately following the Mass in St. Mary's parish center.

Interment will be private in Madonna Cemetery.