Paula "Paulina" W. Castaneda

Paula "Paulina" W. Castaneda, 80 of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2012. She was born on February 13, 1932 to Ascencion and Bartolita Walle in Miquihuana, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Paula lived a beautifully religious life, often lost in her daily ritual of prayers to the Lord, her saints, the Virgin de Guadalupe and the sacred heart of Jesus. She prayed daily rosaries for her seven children, their children and her great grandchildren. She was admired by many a relative, friends and acquaintances for her ability to reach out to others and her award winning smile. Paula had the ability to set you at ease about life's troubles and reminded us all to never lose faith, to remain strong and show empathy for others.Our mother was ultimately a remarkable woman that gave so much and asked for so little in return. We are still in disbelief that she is gone, but we know she is in a better place, home with the good Lord above. We admired our mother for her love, her enduring strength, her patience, and her work ethics. As a young mother, she would do odd jobs to raise extra money to support her children's needs, such as sewing exquisite dresses for special occasions, doing laundry and ironing, baby-sitting, and often making delicious tamales to sell. Even with a busy schedule, she always made sure we had hot homemade meals and clean clothes. She was an amazing cook that took simple ingredients and blended them to ultimate perfection. When we wonder why we are who we are, we only can thank our mom for instilling those virtues and hard work ethics that prepared all of us for this world. Mama we love you and your presence will be greatly missed.