June 24, 1937 - February 1, 2023
The Libao family’s last living matriarch, Corazón Libao Castro, passed away peacefully at the age of 85 surrounded by her family and loved ones on February 1, 2023, in Jacksonville, Florida. Born on June 24, 1937, to Ismael Libao and Francesca Garcia in Bulacan, Philippines, she grew up in Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila, a place her heart never left. Corazón will be dearly missed and remembered by those she shared her life with as someone who worked tirelessly, lived generously, and loved fiercely.
Corazón was talented and adventurous in many aspects of her life. She worked in education for over 20 years, was a garment worker, sold ceramics as a side hustle, and was a licensed cosmetologist. She was a master of cooking, a music lover, and a graceful dancer. She loved to travel, experience different cultures, and eat delicious food. When Corazón wasn't enjoying the company of friends and family, she could be found watching videos to keep up with celebrity gossip and cooking shows from the Philippines. And, as busy as she kept herself, she always made time to be an active parishioner at her church.
Corazón considered her family her most important achievement in life. Not a day went by where she didn’t talk about how much her granddaughter, children, and family meant to her. Family and friends knew her by many names, including Mama Cora, Lola Cora, Grandma Cora, Ate Cora, Auntie Neng, and Sioneng. Her name is derived from the Spanish word for heart: corazón. She remains the boundless beating heart of a large and loving family and would want all of us to know, “I love you very big!”
Corazón is survived by her loving husband and partner of 55 years, her children, Conrad and Charita; their spouses Lori and Theo; her granddaughter, Eyla; and her many, nieces and nephews, their children, and their children’s children. From a family of eight siblings, Corazon was predeceased by her parents, Ismael and Francesca Libao; her sisters, Ofelia ("Ate Fely”), Purificacion ("Mommy Aba”), Rosalinda (“Ate Luding”), and Lucia; and her brothers, Delfin (“Kuya Peping”), Francisco (“Kuya Pacquito”), and Ismael (“Bunso” or "Junior").
The viewing will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, a structured program to be held from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The funeral mass will be held from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, February 17, 2023, at Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. All times are Eastern.
In lieu of flowers or other expressions of condolence, please consider making a contribution to “The Castro-Gonzalves Social Work Scholarship for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders” as educational access and equity meant a lot to Corazón. This annual award will be given to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to serving the Asian American community. Gifts can be made at The Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis: gifts.wustl.edu . Kindly enter the designation: The Corazón Libao Castro and Salvación Sanchez Gonzalves Annual Award.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com for the Castro family.
