Irene Winnie Castaneda

Our beloved sister and friend, Irene (Auntie Winnie) Castaneda, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2010, with her family at her side. She is now free of pain. She was born January 3, 1944, in El Paso Texas, to Magdalena and Stanley Castaneda. Winnie attended school in Texas, moving to Oxnard in 1959. She graduated from Oxnard High School in 1964 and Ventura College in 1972.

Irene’s first job was with the Bob Jones Ranch, as a bookkeeper, then on to Gemco and Montgomery Wards. In 1970, Winnie went to work for the County of Ventura in Public Health Care and retired in 1993. In 1974, she was in a major automobile accident that changes the rest of her life. She spent two years recovering before returning to public health care, that she held dear to her heart.

Volunteering was a main focus in Irene’s life. She served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Ventura County, United Way, St. John’s Auxiliary (twice President) and numerous churches and school programs.

She had a love of sports, especially football and basketball. In recent years, her favorite past time, was an evening out, playing Bingo or with family and friends at a restaurant. Her pet dogs, Jack-O-Rue and Bear, were near and dear to her heart.

Irene was a person who walked softly through life, always had a smile and spoke kindly, with the highest regard for everyone who touched her life.

Proceeding Irene in death were her mother Magdalena, father Stanley and nephew Brandon. She is survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law Frank and Diane of Ventura, Stanley and Bobbie, Ray and Martha; brothers Ruben and Bobby; sister and brother-in-law Norma and Rob and sister Yolanda all of Oxnard. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and many dear friends, especially Wendy Rodriquez, Cheryl Lechene and Sandy Lyle. The family wishes to express their most sincere thanks, to all who cared for our sister at St. John’s Hospital over the many years. And a special, “Thank You” to doctors and nursing staff, who most recently cared for Winnie.

Visitation will take place Sunday, November 21, 1:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Rosary will begin at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will take place Monday, November 22, 10:00 A. M. at the San Buenaventura Mission with The Reverend Steve Davoren officiating. Burial will take place at Santa Clara Cemetery, Oxnard, on Saturday, November 27 at 11:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Auxiliary and the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura. Condolences may be left at www.TedMayrFuneralHome.com.