Margaret Louise Castillo

Margie, as she was known by friends and family, held an unwavering faith in God that gave her immense strength to overcome life’s challenges, including cervical and lung cancer.

Throughout her life, she never quit pursuing her passions or enjoying quality time with her loved ones.

She was a natural beauty known for her million-dollar smile and tender heart.

The oldest of six children, Margie was born in Cheyenne, Wyo. on March 19, 1949. As the first-born daughter of two working parents, she often looked after her younger siblings.

At 13 years of age, she moved with her family to Denver, Colo. where her adventurous spirit, active lifestyle and many talents emerged. Margie enjoyed gymnastics, volleyball and, above all else, swimming. She never passed up an opportunity to swim, regardless of the how cold the water!

She was creative in crafts, flower arrangements, drawing and painting. Even in her last days, she spent hours coloring, turning coloring pages into true works of art.

In her younger years, Margie parlayed her outgoing personality and creative eye into a position as an independent beauty consultant for Mary Kay. While her stint in the Mary Kay sisterhood lasted 13 years, the friendships she built there lasted throughout her lifetime.

It was Margie’s singing talent, though, that outshined all her endeavors. Margie used her voice to sing the praises of God in church choirs, prison ministry and worship teams. She participated in musicals and theater, including The Passion Play of Denver. And she helped to spread the word of God on a church mission trip to China.

She is survived by her mother, Dora Castillo; children Rebecca Wenzel (Felix) and Velinda Briley (Donnie); siblings Sarah Avila (Si), David Castillo (Tina), Richard Castillo, Becky Ortiz (Louis) and Rachel Fritchel (Pete); grandchildren, Raymond Briley, Donovan Briley, Devun Briley and Lillie Briley; father of her children, Albert Arellano, Jr.; in-laws, David Arellano, Alan Arellano (Nancy), Tina Hoffstetter (Corky), Barbara Vik (Rod) and Liz Shepherd; and numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren.

She is preceded in death by three grandchildren, father Raul Castillo, father and mother in-law Albert Arellano and Barbara Arellano.

A memorial celebration will take place Wednesday, August 28 at 10 a.m. at Thrive Church located at 2720 W 92nd Ave., Federal Heights, Colo. 80260. A pot-luck reception will immediately follow the memorial.

In lieu of flowers, donations toward the memorial are being received by Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery.

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Fond memories of Margaret and expressions of sympathy for her family may be shared using the guest book link below.