Milagros (Mila) Castillo F. Rivera passed away to join our Lord on July 30, 2020. Born in Manila, Philippines to Santiago and Claudia Fermin Castillo on July 4, 1936. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Joseph M. Rivera.
Left to cherish her memories are 3 sons, Joseph Rivera and wife Denise of Richmond, VA, John Rivera and wife Rocio of San Diego, CA and James Rivera and wife Hazel of Virginia Beach, VA and six grandchildren, Kayla, Mason, John Michael, Andesa, Adonus and Leo; siblings Roberto and Flor Castillo, Carlos, Sr. and Lourdes Castillo, Erlinda and Segndo (Andy) Lazo, Santiago, Jr. and Sue Castillo; nephews and nieces.
She was a very caring, kind, generous, well-traveled, fun-loving person with family and friends that she passionately loves. A very devout Catholic and long-time dedicated member of St. Gregory the Great. She was actively involved with the Legion of Mary in praying and visiting the elders.
Educated at Adamson University in Manila, she obtained her B.S. in Chemistry and worked at the National Institute of Technology prior to her coming to the USA under the Exchange Visitors Program. She landed in Seattle, Washington where she met her future husband, Joseph, USN. From Seattle to Hawaii then Norfolk and finally setting their roots in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Once settled in the Tidewater Area, she worked at Portsmouth General Hospital, Sentara Leigh Memorial Hospital and Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital until her retirement on June 1, 2002.
There will be a visitation/wake scheduled from 7-9pm on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at the Smith and Williams Kempsville Chapel. A second visitation/wake will be from 6-9pm on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at the same location at Smith and Williams Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be conducted at 11am, Thursday at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. Please post your condolences to the family during this difficult time.
