Lydia C Castillo

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to reap;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance …”

Such was the life of Lydia C. Castillo.

She was born 89 years ago on January 26, 1937. Lydia lived her life with vigor, enthusiasm, purpose, and with a sparkle still visible during her final days before the Lord called her home on October 2, 2026.

Her tenacity came by way of her mother, Gertrude Nieto. So did Lydia’s faith, her love and loyalty to family, friends and community, as well as her passion for life.

Lydia was born during the Great Depression and was one of 12 children. Back then, like so many others, they struggled financially, but they were not short on love. Her mother saw to that.

Lydia carried that experience through her life. Her expression of love most often came by way of food. If you stopped by her home, there was always a hot meal on the stove, ready for hungry mouths. And, freshly baked desserts for eager takers. She was an enthusiastic baker.

Lydia was deeply proud of her family and their accomplishments, most especially their service to our country. All of her brothers served in the military. Eldest brother Vicente was killed in South Pacific action during World War Two and brother Rodolfo was held Prisoner of War in Korea, until he was liberated.

As a Gold Star family, Lydia and her siblings dutifully honored Vicente’s sacrifice. For her part, she supported volunteers who left American flags on Memorial Day at the gravesites of the fallen, including Vicente. Most importantly, Lydia shared his story with her nieces and nephews and encouraged them to remember and honor him.

Those remembrances and many others were often told at family parties, many of which were hosted by Lydia and her sister, Mary. The two lived together, nearly all their lives in the home originally bought by their mother more than 80 years ago.

Lydia was devoted to Mary and conversely, Mary to Lydia. When you saw one, the other was likely nearby. They loved watching the Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Hallmark movies. They prayed a daily rosary and attended mass together. The two shared a passion for shopping, listening to mariachi music and caring for Lydia‘s beloved dog “Cha-Cha.”

Outside the home, Lydia was particularly proud of two jobs. Starting in the 1960s, she worked at the downtown Houston Stock Exchange as a secretary. She loved its energetic, fast-paced environment, getting dressed in her finest clothes and bringing her young nieces and nephews to watch the ticker tape scroll by. She held that job for nearly 30 years.

Lydia also worked at the Goose Creek School District. She was devoted to the school, the teachers and the children. She worked there nearly 10 years until she retired.

She spent her retirement enjoying her passions: traveling with family and friends, especially on road trips of which she had a “lead foot.” She loved going to casinos and Friday night poker. She enjoyed decorating her home and hosting and attending parties.

She was quick to celebrate the accomplishments of her nieces and

nephews and was equally eager to spread the news. She loved to clip out articles from the paper and mail it to someone she thought might enjoy an article. She loved chocolate ice cream, shopping, singing, dancing, and reading.

Lydia’s generosity was known by many and shared throughout the community. She loved life, It loved her.

Lydia‘s last few years were spent comfortably thanks to the hard work of a team of loving caregivers and their families. The Family wishes to thank: Lili Cabrera, Dalilah Aguilar, Ludivina Garza, Jade Reyes, Yolanda Mata, Karina Reyes, Ruth Morales and Miriam Cisnero.

They also wish to thank Nurse Carlos, and an assortment of medical team professionals, including Harbor Hospice.

Special thanks to Cathy Zarraga for the many visits before and after her night shifts to check on Aunt Lydia during her hospital stays.

Lydia is preceded in death by her mother, Gertrude, sisters Etelvina Marron, Amalia Hernandez, Lorenza Estrada and Mary C. Nieto and brothers Vicente, Rodolfo, Jose, Jesus, and Henry. She is survived by sister Elvira Barajas who celebrated 104 years this past March.

Pallbearers are Michael Butler, Kaden Garza, Fanoel Gutierrez, Victor Razo, Kevyn Salazar, Jon Salinas.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jaime Campos, Alfredo del Real, Jason Garcia, Carlos Martinez, David Nieto, Dorian Reyes, Bruce Cheshire.

Visitation will be held at Earthman Baytown Funeral Home, 3919 Garth Road, Baytown, TX 77521, US, on October 15, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Funeral will take place at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1124 Beech St, Baytown, TX 77520, US, on October 16, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Graveside service will follow at Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery, 8624 Garth Road, Baytown, TX 77521, US, on October 16, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.