Isabel Chavela Parra Castilleja

July 8, 1920 – December 22, 2010

Isabel “Chavela” Castilleja, 90, passed away Wednesday, December 22, 2010 in a local hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 27, 2010 at Sacred Heart Church, 2621 Bagby Avenue, with Rev. Lawrence Soler, Celebrant. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 to 7 p.m., Sunday, December 26, 2010 at Connally/Compton Funeral Directors Chapel with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m.

Isabel was born July 8, 1920 in Nobles, Texas to Jose Martinez and Belen Parra. Chavela married Alfonso Castilleja on April 2, 1941 in Cameron, Texas. Chavela was a very dedicated wife and mother. Her greatest joy was raising her children and helping them as their families grew. She treasured the many loving memories of her family that brought her much happiness. Chavela was the heart of the family. She was greatly loved and will be dearly missed.

Chavela was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 32 years, Alfonso Castilleja Sr.; son, Alfonso Castilleja Jr.; daughter, Gloria Martina Gonzales; 3 brothers; 1 sister; and 4 sons-in-law.

Those left behind to cherish Chavela’s memory are her sons, Henry Castilleja and wife, Becky, Paul Castilleja and Aracely Telamantez, Robert Castilleja Sr. and wife, Maria, Uvaldo “Rudy” Castilleja and wife, Rosa, and Joe Christopher Castilleja and wife, Mary; daughters, Martina Castilleja, Emma Ernestina Vigil, Isabel “Twinky” Perez and Juanita “Janie” Ramirez; daughter-in-law, Martha Castilleja; 43 grandchildren, 98 great grandchildren, 26 great great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Castilleja, George Anthony Castilleja, Mark Castilleja, Michael Castilleja, Robert Castilleja Jr., DeLaRosa Gonzales, Carlos Miguel Perez, Jesse Ramirez Jr., and Ramon Vigil Jr.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Cowart, Nurse Nikki, and the staff of Providence Hospital and Providence Hospice for the love and care given to Chavela.

Arrangements under the direction of Connally-Compton Funeral Directors, Waco, TX.