Maria Elena Castelo

Maria Elena Castelo, mother to Maria Elena, Carmen, Joaquin, David, Maria Lilia, Ivonne, Clarissa, and Jeannette, went to be with her Savior on July 24, 2020 due to complications of Alzheimer’s at age 84.

Born on September 28, 1935, Maria went on to live a fulfilling life as a hard-working, devoted mother, and later, grandmother many times over. Though she worked hard, she still found enjoyment in the simple things such as singing, dancing, and tending to her flowers while enjoying the nature around her.

It was not unusual to find her near grandchildren smiling and sneaking them sweets when the adults weren’t looking. Many of us recall her cookie jar always being full and dessert in the fridge. Her grandchildren may have been a bit spoiled, but her children did enjoy their happy moments too when she sang them nursery rhymes or treated them to a Vicks rub with extra attention when they were sick. Her servant's heart was on full display in these tender moments and demonstrated only a fraction of the kindness and joy she brought to our lives.

“Having everyone together for the holidays was important to her. I remember she taught us how to make tamales from scratch all while teaching us to work together,” writes Jeanette, her youngest daughter. “She would hide Twinkies in the cabinet but would always share with her baby.” Her sister, Clarissa also shared a fond memory of the time when their mother surprised them for a picnic by the creek.

Maria liked to have parties with her kids and grandchildren and did have a more adventurous side too when she rode a jet ski at Rocky Point beach with her son-in-law Alex.

Yet throughout all of the fun and laughter, Maria also stressed how to gracefully handle the serious moments in life and instilled valuable lessons to her children, such as giving to the church even when there is not much to give; and that working hard but having the means to survive is a blessing in its own right.

Following through with these lessons, we ask that donations be made In Lieu of flowers to Compassion International in remembrance of Maria’s kind heart as this organization was one that she contributed to throughout her life.