Mary Lou Castillo

Mary Lou Castillo (May 16, 1947 - June 29, 2020) With broken hearts we announce the passing of our beautiful, beloved Mary Lou Castillo, who said yes to God’s call on June 29, 2020, reuniting with her son Bruce Castillo, her grandson Augustine Rendon, her mother Andrea Morales, her grandmother “Mama Maria”, and her in-laws Jesus and Ignacia Castillo, who predeceased her. At 73,she passed peacefully and surrounded by her family. Cherishing her memory is the love of her life, Silvestre Castillo, whom she met at the Rialto movie theater in Sinton and married when they were 16 years old. When they dated, Mary Lou paid her own way by choice and picked their song, “Theme from a Summer Place”. They eloped twice before their parents consented to their tender marriage. For 57 years, she wore the precious wedding band they selected together for their July 6, 1963 ceremony. From their enjoying hot dogs by candlelight early on to the end of her life’s journey, their wonderful romance endured and they truly lived their marriage vows. Managing to make a life together so young, they said yes to God’s gift of six children, with Bruce passing in infancy. They raised two strong, devoted daughters, Leolanda (Fred) and Eloisa,(Rusty) and three faithful, upstanding sons, Silvestre Jr. (Cassandra), Bryan (Anna), and Justin (Denise). The family added 16 grandchildren, who called her “Nana”, Issac ( Ana), Reno (Carly), Auggie (Miranda), Felicia, Dwayne (Apple), Dallas, Ryan, Ashlee, Samantha, Edison, Anastasia (Josh), Sarah, Kaleb, Tristin, Lindsey, and Caitlin. Then came 19 great-grandchildren, Braylon, Cameron, Cora, Abram, Trey, Ayvehn, Luna, Kennon, Rhyzaya, Divinity, Urijah, Jucindah, Serenity, Carson, Bailee, Marlee, Kylee, JayDee, Harlee. Also loving Mary Lou dearly are her siblings in law, Ernest, Delia (Joe), Errlinda (Art), and George (Gloria), and a host of nephews and nieces, whose lives she deeply touched. At the center of Mary Lou’s life was family. She was so proud of everyone’s accomplishments, encouraging them always to reach higher and do better. She leaves them her legacy of love, unity, cheerfulness, kindness, sweetness, courtesy, honesty, respect, strength, courage, adventure, humility, positivity, intelligence, gratitude, generosity, appreciation of life’s simple gifts, her mantra “don’t give up”, and accepting God’s will. Every morning her children received her message of love, encouragement, and support. She began many calls with “It’s only me” and ended them with “God bless you”, “be safe”, and “I love you”, words they hold dearly. Mary Lou was the sunshine of their lives and remains their most cherished blessing. She was generous with her precious handmade quilts, beautiful needlework, and favorite recipes, especially her turkey and dressing, celery chicken soup, apple pie, and peach cobbler. Mary Lou loved to travel, enjoying family trips to Eagle Pass and Big Bend, visiting Louisiana, Missouri, Florida, and Nevada, and doing homage to Our Lady of Guadalupe Basilica in Mexico City, the Immaculate Conception Basilica in Washington, D.C., and the Lourdes Grotto in San Antonio. She loved fishing, rides on a motorcycle, amusement parks, trying new restaurants, surprises, word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, reading, family celebrations and fireworks at Hooks games at the suite. Owning a stocked tool box, she was quick to help with construction projects and check the internet for help with car repairs. She enjoyed parades at Disney World with cast members greeting her and her huge birthday parade led by the Sinton Fire Department. She lived every day with sheer joy.Mary Lou especially loved frequent family trips to attend mass at Our Lady of San Juan Basilica in the valley, happy about 16 Archbishops celebrating their most recent mass there and the blessing Silver and she received. Always a symbol of grace and dignity, she will remain a living inspiration in our hearts. We will treasure her memory and her life’s lessons always, especially her reassuring us that “it will be OK”. Thank You, God, for the blessing of Mary Lou in our lives.

Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel, Sinton on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, 3:00 PM. A rosary will follow the same evening at 7:00 PM. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, 10:00 AM at Eternal Rest, Sinton.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Lou Castillo, please visit our floral store.