Leonor "Lennie" Silva Casteneda

Leonor “Lennie” Silva Casteneda, 82, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on October 31, 2025, in Portland, Maine, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 11, 1943, in Madison, Kansas, to Jose and Ynes (Arellano) Silva. She was the youngest of 16 children.

Lennie was proud of her Mexican heritage and dedicated her life to family, friends, community, and her profession. After graduating from Venus Beauty Academy, she owned and operated her own salon for over fifty years. Her salon was more than a place of business—it was a gathering place where friendships blossomed, and support was always found. She also served as a Community Outreach Worker for expectant mothers and as a Spanish language interpreter for the federal court touching countless lives. She consistently helped others without seeking recognition.

She married Albert Rodriguez with whom she shared a daughter, Michelle. After their divorce, Jesus Hernandez came into her life in 1986 and became a son to her at 8 months old. She experienced immense joy in raising him. In 2019, she was blessed by reuniting with her daughter Teresa, who had been placed for adoption. The reunion brought new relationships with Teresa’s family that she treasured.

Lennie’s pride in her Mexican culture was clear in the music she cherished and the traditions she passed down. She also loved country music and was known for her outgoing personality and her ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. Above all, she cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Lola Vasquez, Natividad Garibay, Louisa Silva, Maclovia “Max” Wofford, Louis Silva, Rosa Silva (Sister Bernadette), Angel Silva, Virginia Granada, Martin Silva, Margarita Rodriguez, and Filimon Silva.

She is survived by her daughters Teresa Miller (Keith) and Michelle Bradbury (Richard); son Jesus Hernandez (Yecenia); grandchildren Elisa Heckathorn, Leiah Heckathorn, Andrea Mendoza, Brian Heckathorn, Victor Mendoza, Cristian Mendoza, Lionila Hernandez, Jesus Hernandez Jr., and Angel Hernandez; great-grandchildren Koby, Mia, Sophia, Catalina, and Meeklo; and her brother Paul Silva (Fern). She leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews cousins and friends.

Lennie will be remembered for her constant source of support, her feisty spirit, humor, and the love she shared with everyone she met.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13th at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS.

Rosary will be 10:00 a.m., and Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 14th, both at Holy Savior Catholic Church, 3000 E. 13th Street N., Wichita, KS