Virginia was born on October 22, 1938 in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to Juan Castillo and Maria Santos Arzola. She visited Kansas City for the first time in 1958; arriving via train at Union Station. The station and trains held a special place in her heart, as well as her love of travel to several countries. Virginia met her future husband Rudy Padilla at a softball game that summer. The couple married on August 14, 1964 in Monterrey and spent 56 years in holy matrimony. They had a daughter, Mary Dolores Padilla, and a son, Joseph Padilla. Virginia’s passion was being an advocate for the Hispanic community. She was a female voice for civil rights, volunteered for several nonprofit organizations and helped at various events. She hosted “Hoy en Kansas City,” produced by her husband for KCPT Public television. This local Spanish-language programming led to the cable television creation of Producciones Hispanas, which she founded with her husband. Virginia was a guest on several Spanish-language radio programs, along with hosting her own show “Estudio Fama.” In 1990, she became an entrepreneur by starting her own Latino music and video business. This was a natural continuation of her childhood sales business, where she sold various odds and ends in her neighborhood. As a small business owner in Kansas City, Kansas for nearly 30 years, she was sought by immigrant customers for help with their personal challenges, such as seeking legal assistance, translation and more. In 2009, she became a naturalized citizen, and was proud to vote. Virginia will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, youthful joy, love of music, adventurous spirit and being a sports fan, especially for the Kansas City Royals. She was a devout Catholic.
She was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters and three brothers. Virginia is survived by her husband, daughter and son, all of Overland Park, sisters Margarita Castillo Arzola and Maria del Pilar Castillo Estala, both of Monterrey, and a large extended family.
The family will receive friends and family on Wednesday, February 10th from 10-11 a.m. at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road in Leawood, Kansas. Mass will follow at 11 a.m.
Flowers may be sent, or memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.
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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105
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