Moira Kathleen Aaron-Castillo

Moira Kathleen Aaron-Castillo, 39, passed away on Sunday, October 23rd at home surrounded by family, after a three-year journey with Neuroendocrine cancer. She bravely faced cancer with grace and determination, and lived a life unhindered by illness.

Moira was born on August 10, 1983 and was a lifelong resident of Kansas City. Her love of education began in her early years at St. Ann’s Catholic School, continuing through her time at Bishop Miege High School, and culminating with her degree in social science education from Northwest Missouri State University. It was during her time at Northwest where she made lifelong friends, became a member of Phi Mu sorority, and most importantly met the love of her life, Brent.

Working as an educator and mentor, Moira was dedicated to positively impacting and improving the lives of her students at Central Middle School, Derrick Thomas Academy and Kauffman Scholars Inc. However, this shifted when she became a mother. Her priority to stay at home with her three children Michael, Eleanore, and Francis Castillo was one of her greatest joys. Moira channelled her passion into being a champion for social justice groups, an advocate for voter registration, participating in her children’s school, Trailwood Elementary, and being a good neighbor to the “Delmar Dragons.”

In these past eleven years of motherhood, it was evident that Moira’s true calling in life was being a mom. With years of practice helping to raise her siblings and babysitting for countless families, she made a seamless transition into motherhood, making it look easy. Even on her toughest days her main focus was always on her children. Moira celebrated every day with her kids, cherishing every kiss, hug, snuggle and laugh.

Moira was best known for her great advice, kindness, grace, friendship, and ability to turn a phrase. On a summer day you could count on her being at the pool with a book in hand while her kids splashed nearby. She loved afternoons on Delmar Street, watching the neighborhood kids and chatting with their parents. Moira was notorious for being able to crack a joke and lighten a mood no matter the situation, proving she was the eternal optimist. She lived and loved with abundance and without limitations, forever touching all who were lucky to experience her light and laughter.

Moira’s family would like to share a special thank you to all the healthcare workers who helped Moira on her journey including the doctors, nurses and staff at University of Kansas Hospital and University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, especially Dr. Chandrikha Chandrasekharan.

Moira is survived by her husband, Brent Castillo; three beautiful children, Michael, Eleanore and Francis Castillo; parents, Michael Aaron and Paula Flattery-Aaron; mother-in-law, Julie Jones Castillo; father-in-law(s), Jack Castillo and Ron Heatherington; brother, Kyle and sister-in-law, Kristin; and her sisters and best friends, Caitlin and Devin. She is also survived by her extended family of grandparents (Fredrick and Patricia), aunts (Becky, Donna and Margie), uncles (Brian, Kevin, Mark and Tim), and numerous cousins. She is preceded in death by her loving maternal grandparents, Paul and Eleanore Flattery.

The Celebration of Moira’s Life will be held on Friday, November 4th at 11 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 7231 Mission Road, Prairie Village. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, to please make a donation in Moira’s memory to Flourish Furnishings, a non-profit close to Moira’s heart which provides essential home furnishings to those seeking housing stability.

The family encourages you to share a favorite photo and/or story of Moira at www.mcgilleyhoge.com for the Aaron-Castillo family.