Manuela E. Castro

She was born on January 3, 1941, in Valparaíso, Zacatecas, Mexico, to José Espinoza and Luisa Villalobos. Manuela was one of six siblings: Herlinda Cabral, Antonia Betancourt, Concepción Corral, Esther Sotelo, and Santos Espinoza.

As a child, Manuela found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially playing marbles and jacks. She excelled at both games and could spend hours absorbed in play—sometimes so much so that she would forget her chores and receive a gentle but firm reminder from her mother.

Manuela attended Escuela de Enseñanzas Especiales No. 21, where she earned her diploma as Secretario y Tenedor de Libros on June 30, 1958. During a visit to her sister Concepción in Chicago, Illinois, she met the love of her life, Ramon A. Castro. Their connection was immediate, and following a long-distance courtship, they were married on August 20, 1960.

After settling in San Antonio, Manuela embraced her new home with determination and grace. While raising her family and supporting her husband, she dedicated herself to learning English, taking numerous classes. Her perseverance and hard work culminated on October 10, 1978, when she proudly became a United States citizen, receiving her Certificate of Naturalization.

A lifelong learner, Manuela had a deep love for reading and continually sought to expand her knowledge. She instilled in her children a strong respect for education and the importance of always giving one’s best. Her home was filled with warmth, laughter, and countless cherished memories—many of them made during long hours spent together on the front porch.

Family was at the center of Manuela’s life. She nurtured strong family bonds and made sure her children remained closely connected not only to relatives in San Antonio, but also to loved ones in Mexico, including grandparents and extended family.

Manuela was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ramon A. Castro; her parents, José and Luisa Espinoza; and her sisters, Herlinda, Antonia, and Concepción.

She is survived by her sister, Esther Sotelo; her brother, Santos Espinoza; and her four children: Ramon E. Castro (wife Erma), Javier E. Castro (wife Diane), Yvette C. Harm (husband Richard), and Nora I. Fraga (husband Jason). She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren: Amanda M. Ramirez (Porfilio Jr), Alexis C. Castro (Joe), John-Raymond Castro (Genova), Ishmael A. Castro, Bianca M. Castro, Zachary S. Dube, Melissa D. Somerville (Christian), Ian R. Banda, Arieana I. Fraga, and Ayden M. Fraga; as well as her beloved great-grandchildren—Liliana, Eliyas, Sebastian, Donovan, Jace, Adeline, Ezra and Mia—who will carry forward her enduring legacy of love, strength, and family.

Funeral Details:

Viewing – Thursday January 22nd, 2026 ( 5-8pm)

Roy Akers Funeral Home, 515 N Main San Antonio TX

Funeral Service – Friday, January 23rd, 2026 (12:30pm-2pm)

Roy Akers Funeral Home, 515 N Main San Antonio TX

Departure with police escort to Fort Sam National Cemetery immediately to follow funeral service

Burial – Friday January 23rd, 2026 (2:30pm)

Fort Sam National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio TX