Marina Castro Santillan

She is survived by her 9 children (8 daughters and 1 son): Felma (d. Roman Panganiban, Sr.), Filipinas (sp. Marc Pieret), Flordelys (sp. Rene Santiano), Fidelis (sp. Gilbert King), Florida (sp. Cris Fernandez), Florence, Felipe Jr. (partner Karina Jimenez), Famie (sp. Daniel Chin) and Farah; 13 grandchildren – Roman Jr., Victor Angelo, Filiep, Sofie, Gregory, Galen, Gordon, Genevieve, Erika, Jan, Vania, Justin and Seryna and her 3 great-grandchildren – Aiden, Julian and Frankie.

Born in Binmaley, Pangasinan on March 10, 1930 to Candido Castro and Brigida Zamora, she was one of 10 children – Ricardo, Felix , Soledad, Delfin, Arthur, Leopoldo, Eddie, Henry and Lito.

She finished High School at Adelfi College in Lingayen, Pangasinan after WWII, earning her Teacher’s Certificate at Philippine Normal College and Master’s Degree in Education at Pangasinan State University. She had various teaching assigments in Bontoc, Mountain Province, Baguio City and Pangasinan. She was an elementary educator for 35 years and at one time becoming President of the Bayambang Teachers’ Association. She was involved in various civic organizations and was an active Parishioner of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Bayambang, Pangasinan.

She was happily married to Attorney Felipe R. Santillan, Sr. on January 26, 1957 for 27 years until his untimely demise in 1984.

She immigrated to the US in the 1980’s to join her children and retiring here. She enjoyed dancing, singing, playing Bingo with her kids, writing, cooking, baking, sewing, shopping, gardening, travelling and camping.

She lived the past 35 years with her 3 youngest daughters, Florence, Famie and Farah who lovingly and unselfishly dedicated their lives to her care at their residence in Ridgefield, Washington.

We thank the good Lord for her long, meaningful, fulfilled and happy life. We will miss her dearly.

May you Rest in Peace, MAMA. We love you very much and you will FOREVER be in our hearts.