Shirley Castanedo

Shirley Castanedo (née Garcia), 88, of Chicago, Illinois passed away peacefully on December 28th, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 13th, 1934 to Frank & Alice Garcia (Basquez), she was raised alongside her siblings Lupe, Harriet, Alice, Frank, Jr., Raymond, Dolores, Carmen, Jesse, Joseph, Michael, and Margurite.

Shirley was a native Chicagoan and a longtime resident of the Pilsen community. A beloved wife to the late Vito Castanedo for 66 years, and loving mother to Gloria, Cruz (Jose), Vito, and Richard (Amalia).

She was also a devoted grandmother to her 15 grandchildren; Stephen (Jeannette), Rene (Lorraine), Vanessa (John), Nicholas, Anthony (Deborah), Andrew (Anel), Gabriel (Patricia), Michelle (Christopher), Diana (Jol), Sondra (Thomas), Jeannette (Christian), Christina (Robert), Monica (Orlando), Jennifer, and Richard Jr. (Araceli), her 37 great-grandchildren; Esteban, Jenelle, Julian, Ricardo, Jayden, Evie, Yolanda, Alfonso, Rene Jr., Alex, John Nathan, Jaime (Carla), Jalissa, Isaac, Priscilla, Jocelyn, Alexia, Adrian, Lucas, Elias, Ava, Dominic, Maxwell, Cehcily, Edwin, Stella, Myles, Alena, Isaiah, Mariah, Miah, Ariah, Mia, Jordyn, Cleo, Cecilia, and Aaron, and her 5 great-great grandchildren; Julian Jr., Veronica, Anika, Hailey, and Nathan.

Throughout her time, Shirley persevered through various events and changing seasons of life. She was a humble woman. It was rare to hear her complain, even when confronted with the most difficult of circumstances. Shirley lived out her faith, honoring her husband, and supportive of her children, and their families. She loved to hear how everyone was doing. She loved looking at pictures of her family - her grandchildren and great-grandchildren - this always brought a smile to her face. Shirley always welcomed all to sit at her table for a visit and a meal. Her family adored her and she loved them dearly in return.

Shirley was a loving person and had many friends and acquaintances who she also made time to visit whenever possible. She loved parties, and celebrating with others on their special occasions. She loved to dance and was known to be the first one on the dance floor, bringing life to any party. Shirley could make friends wherever she went, and this charm resonated throughout her family.

Shirley had a strong work ethic. She began working at the age of 16 as a nurse's aid in high school. She moved on to clerical work, and then started a longtime career in the financial industry. She was well respected in her field and by her colleagues, whom also became friends and traveling companions. Shirley worked for 47 years for several financial institutions, reporting to work everyday, performing her work in an upmost professional manner which gained her an excellent reputation. Shirley helped many individuals and families through her work before retiring from LaSalle Bank in 1999 at the age of 65.

Our beloved mother, and grandmother always enjoyed being active in her community. Her love for generous giving began in her early years. She served as an instructor at Providence of God teaching catechism to public elementary students on Saturdays, while working full-time during the work week. She also served as Cub Scout "Den Mother" while raising her young children.

Prior to and throughout her retirement, Shirley partnered with her husband Vito to take care of their building, which served as the gathering place, and "home" to generations of her family members. She also made sure to spend time doing the things she truly enjoyed - travel with family and friends as often as possible, and attending theatre and concert performances. She also had the privilege to spend many years enjoying activities with her friends and comadres at the Dvorak Park Seniors club.

Shirley never really stopped serving the needs of others through volunteerism and charitable activities. She worked alongside neighbors and friends to help feed the homeless through the food pantry at the Providence of God church, and various other activities. For multiple years, she also rallied up her family to fundraise, and join in the March of Dimes walk-a-thon through LaSalle Bank - a shared activity that brought family together for a day of laughter, purpose... and a great work out!

Shirley loved people and loved making sure they were cared for. Often visiting the ill in hospitals and/or convalescing at home. Important to note - she approached everything she put her hand to with much care, thoughtfulness, and love.

Our beloved mother and grandmother: We will miss her beautiful smile, generous heart, example of loyalty, hard-work, dedication, and her fun-loving presence. She is a a true example of the Proverbs 31 woman we read about in the Bible.

In summary, Shirley is... "A wife of noble character... hard to find, she is worth far more than rubies... She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction... ...She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness... Her children arise and call her blessed; ...Many women do noble things but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." (Proverbs 31:10-31 NIV)

You have ran your race, Shirley, may you now receive your heavenly reward!

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

(2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Visitation for Shirley will be on Friday, January 6, 2023 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Ridge Funeral Home, (Edward A. Tylka, Manager), 6620 W. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. Prayers at 8:45 am on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Ridge Funeral Home, 6620 W. Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Providence of God Church, 1800 S Union Ave., Chicago, IL 60616. Interment at St Mary Cemetery, 8700 S Hamlin Ave, Evergreen Park, Illinois 60805. For info. call 773-586-7900 or visit www.ridgefh.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridgefh.com for the Castanedo family.