Mary Helen Castillo

Up until the end, she maintained her kindness and sense of humor. Through her journey of 89 years, she acknowledged her gratitude for living a long and happy life with love, strength, compassion, and deep devotion to her family. During her working life, Mary retired as front-end supervisor for the Brackenridge Hospital Eatery.

She was the rock that held the family together, bringing laughter and warmth into our lives.

Mary's life was filled with simple joys and vibrant passions. She loved shopping for great bargains, traveling to new places, and keeping up with her favorite novelas. She enjoyed the thrill of playing slot machines - often winning- and she never missed a chance to dance with her sons. Mary also appreciated a good, strong margarita and the occasional tequila shot shared in laughter and celebration.

But her greatest joy of all was cooking for her family. Nothing made her happier than preparing tamales and menudo for the family. Christmas gatherings, filled the home with warmth, tradition and love.The greatest lesson she instilled in us is the importance of kindness and the act of showing love to one another.

Mary is survived by her children, Julian Castillo Jr. (Nena Castillo) of Levelland, Texas, Domisco Steve Castillo (Teresa Castillo) of Austin, Texas, Ronald David Castillo of Edinburg, Texas, and Christopher Castillo I (Cynthia Soto Castillo) of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by her sister, Dolores P Aleman of Austin, Texas, and 36 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, 29 nieces, and 34 nephews, and two daughters-in-law, Arlene Castillo and Joann Castillo.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Julian Castillo Sr., parents, Manuel Pineda Sr., and Julia Pineda. As well as her sons, Jerry Louis Castillo and Adams Castillo. Brothers, Jimmy Pineda (Socorro) and Manuel Pineda Jr. of Austin, Texas. Sisters, Annie Perez (Joe) and Dora Luna (Valentino).

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Hospice Austin NP, Justin Whitley, nurse Kati Dibene, and home health aide/CNA, Sylvia Garza, for all the care they provided to our mother.

A Special Thank you to family: Brother Steve, Aunt Dolores, Daughter Andrea, son-in-law Karl, Daughters Christy and Kristen, nieces Erika, Lymari, Hallie, and Melina; as well as cousin Julie and husband Steve, sister-in-law, Yolanda, and godson, Rodger Gonzales and his wife Felicia.

Note from Chris Castillo: A very special thank you to my wife, Cynthia Soto Castillo, for allowing me to take time off these past years to take care of my mother. Your dedication, love, and compassion over the last several years are deeply treasured.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, starting at 5:00 PM with the sharing of remembrances at 6:30 PM, followed by the Rosary at 7:00 PM. Please join the family for Mary's funeral mass the following day, December 16, 2025, at San Jose Catholic Church at 1:00 PM, followed by a committal at Assumption Cemetery.