Irma Salinas Castaneda

Irma Salinas Castaneda, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and community leader, passed away peacefully at her home in Upland, California, on October 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She had celebrated her 88th birthday just days earlier.

Irma was born on October 24, 1938, in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Elias Estabane Salinas and Adela Acosta Salinas. She was the fourth of eight children and was affectionately known throughout her life as "Big Sister." She is survived by two beloved siblings.

After attending Colegio Palmore in Chihuahua, Irma immigrated to Cucamonga, California, in 1955, beginning a new chapter that would shape both her life and the lives of countless others. She started as secretary of the Cucamonga Labor Camp and quickly earned the respect of both workers and growers through her intelligence, compassion, and extraordinary ability to bring people together. The camp housed more than 1,500 workers, and Irma became a trusted advocate, leader, and source of support within that community.

Her talent, determination, and gift for building relationships led to increasing leadership roles throughout California's citrus industry. Over a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, she served as General Manager for San Gabriel Valley Lemon Growers, Upland Lemon Growers, Corona Growers, and later Redlands Foothill Growers, where she retired in 2017. She was also a respected consultant to growers from Imperial County to Kern County and a steadfast advocate for the fair and dignified treatment of farm workers.

Known by many as a "Silent Giant," Irma never sought recognition for her achievements. She led through action, integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. Her influence was measured not by titles or accolades, but by the lives she touched and the communities she strengthened. She believed deeply in the agricultural community and devoted her professional life to building stronger relationships between growers and workers throughout Southern California.

Irma's entrepreneurial spirit extended far beyond her work in agriculture. From her home in Upland, she built a successful income tax business that served countless families. During the 1980s, she assisted tens of thousands of individuals and families with immigration amnesty applications, helping many achieve legal residency in the United States and pursue opportunities for a better life. Her guidance, patience, and generosity left a lasting impact on people throughout the region. Later in life, Irma and her husband Carlos managed several rental properties together, continuing the partnership that defined so much of their lives.

In 1956, Irma married Carlos Guzman Castaneda, beginning a love story that endured for seventy years. Together they raised five children, three by birth and two through adoption, building a family rooted in faith, love, sacrifice, and loyalty.

For more than fifty years, the Castaneda home in Upland was the heart of the family. It was where holidays were celebrated, milestones were shared, and generations gathered around Irma's table. Family, friends, and neighbors always knew they would be welcomed with warmth, kindness, and a meal. Her home was more than a house. It was a place of belonging, comfort, and unconditional love.

Irma was a devoted Christian who faithfully served both the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking congregations of the Upland Church of the Nazarene. Throughout the years, she served as a missionary, Sunday school teacher, accountant, volunteer, and prayer group leader. Her faith was not only something she professed, but something she lived every day through her service, generosity, and unwavering commitment to others.

Above all else, Irma was devoted to her family. Her greatest joy came from the people she loved and from helping others find their way forward. Her greatest accomplishment and deepest source of pride was the family she and Carlos built together. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her work, her guidance, her generosity, and her unwavering love.

Irma is survived by her daughters, Adella (Brian) May Castaneda de Boster of Crestline, California; Bertha Alicia Luna Gayton of Chihuahua, Mexico; and Jennifer (Jeff) Ashley Vincinsky of Upland, California; and her sons, Carl Anthony Castaneda of Crestline, California, and Hector Rafael Castaneda of Barstow, California.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished sister, trusted friend, respected leader, and faithful servant of God. Through her quiet strength, generous heart, and steadfast faith, she changed countless lives and left an enduring mark on every community she touched. Her love, wisdom, and example will continue to guide her family and inspire all who were blessed to know her for generations to come.

From the orchards of Southern California to the homes and families she helped build, Irma's life was a testament to faith, hard work, compassion, and service. The fruits of her labor will continue to be felt for generations.