JUNE (ZAHRA) CASTANHA, beloved sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on February 18, 2026 at the age of 57. Born on June 21, 1968 in Nairobi, Kenya, she was the cherished daughter of the late Peter and Lucia Castanha, and the devoted sister to Wendy who will forever hold her memory close. She leaves behind two godchildren that she loved dearly, Jacelyn and Zoe.

As my only sister, June was a constant source of joy, encouragement, and companionship. She had a gift for making life feel vibrant, and she shared that spirit generously with everyone around her. Her passion for the art of belly dance became one of her greatest legacies. As a dedicated instructor, and through Zahra's School of Middle Eastern Dance and Durham College, she inspired and brought together countless students with her grace, creativity, and unwavering belief in the power of movement. Her studio was more than a place to learn; it was a community she built with love, patience, and artistry. She was well known in the Durham Region community and had won many awards to support her volunteerism and philanthropy.

Outside of her work, June found joy in staying connected with friends, quiet moments with loved ones, and the companionship of her beloved dog, Cinnamon, who was always by her side. She made every gathering feel brighter.

In addition to her sister, Wendy, June is survived by her brother-in-law, Guy, and their two children, Zoe and Lucas who will forever remember her love, guidance, and the special bond they shared. She is predeceased by her parents, Peter and Lucia, whom she missed dearly.

In honor of her generous spirit and lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Kidney Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, a reflection of the values she held close.

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The funeral service for the late June will be livestreamed at St. Isaac Jogues Parish. Please copy and paste the link below in a new window browser.

https://www.youtube.com/stisaacjoguesparish

The funeral mass will go live approximately 10-15 minutes before so if viewers are on the link before, they will simply need to refresh the page.