Councilwoman Marytrine De Castro was honored during the Hudson County Women’s History Month Celebration and Award Ceremony themed “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope” held on March 30, 2022 in the Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City. Nominated by Mayor Alberto G. Santos and members of the Kearny Town Council, Marytrine is a Registered Nurse licensed in New Jersey and New York, she was recognized for her frontline work and service throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Marytrine De Castro 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. She is privileged to profoundly impact the lives of patients and residents and is humbled to have a rewarding career among the ranks of frontline workers and health care heroes leading the COVID-19 pandemic response.
When the pandemic hit, there was an immense increase in the need for community health and medical services and most hospitals were overwhelmed due to COVID-19. Marytrine helped manage health care resources including PPE procurement and dedicated hours of medical and health care to patients and residents. During vaccine rollout, Marytrine assisted the Kearny Health Department sign up residents for vaccines and assisted at vaccine clinics, providing residents a level of protection against the virus and hope for better days to come. She also 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.
From developing strong bonds with affected patients to providing direct care and leading public health initiatives, Marytrine has been front and center working to protect the health and well-being of patients and residents. Marytrine is a healer, leader, advocate, mentor, and problem solver in the field of nursing. 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 the ceremony were Mayor Alberto G. Santos, Council President Carol Jean Doyle and Senator Nicholas J. Sacco, Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, members of the Board of Commissioners, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, and several other dignitaries to recognize the 2022 Hudson County Women’s History Month Honorees. Family members Lyla De Castro and Ava Lawdanski, witnessed the award ceremony and lauded Marytrine on her accomplishments. After the ceremony, Marytrine expressed her sincere gratitude and commented, “I am humbled and blessed to do the work I love and serve my beautiful community.” She thanked her colleagues, family and friends for the honor and congratulated all of the honorees on their achievements.
