Teresa "Terry" Castro

1944 - 2017

Teresa "Terry" Castro  obituary, 1944-2017

BORN

1944

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Draper Mortuary

811 North Mountain Ave

Ontario, California

Teresa Castro Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 12, 2017.

Teresa Castro- Villa was born in Sonora, Mexico in the town of Naco, located near the border of Naco, AZ on February 16, 1944 from mother, Francisca Teresa Villa and father, Antonio Castro- Miranda.
Her father called her "Teresita." Family and friends just called her "Terry."
Terry's family arrived in the United States in 1955 in Tucson, AZ with her three sisters: Rosemarie (Rosita), Maida (Maidita) and Martha (Martita). Terry was the oldest of the four sisters.
The family moved to Los Angeles, CA where Terry grew up and went to school. She played the clarinet in the high school band and graduated with honors and a scholarship from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1963.
Terry joined the Army in 1964 and served until 1967. Her rank was Private E-1. She also played the clarinet in the Army band.
Terry worked various jobs including a tobacco factory and dry cleaning store located at Sunset & Fountain Ave. in the East Hollywood area of Los Angeles where some of her nieces and nephews would visit.
Terry never had children but had nine nieces and nephews which she loved and spoiled as if we were her own kids.
In 1975, Terry met her companion, Irene Guerrero. We nieces and nephews referred to them as Terry and Irene- Our aunts.
Terry and Irene lived in the front house located at 1415 S. Dewey Ave. in the mid-city area of Los Angeles, CA. Her sisters, Maida and Martha, their kids and her mother Teresa lived in the small houses in the rear. Her sister Rosemarie "Rosie" lived across the street with her kids.
The family lived close to one another on Dewey Ave. for nearly 15 years. Terry would remain close with her sisters even after the family had to separate and move to different cities in 1990. Terry always kept a close connection with her sisters by calling them to check in with the famiy.
Terry would never forget a birthday and Xmas and would call family on the phone with her cheerful greetings. She also mailed birthday and Xmas cards with money in them.
Terry was very generous and would always help a loved one in need.
Though Terry was a friendly, warm-hearted, peaceful lady, she was also very protective of her family. If she ever saw anyone causing trouble to family, Terry would get tough and fearless and stand up to them face to face.
Terry was a major sports fan but especially loved baseball and the Los Angeles Dodgers. She cheered loud and proud while watching the games on TV. You could hear her vocal cheers from a distance and get a kick out of her screaming at the TV.
Terry loved her music both Spanish and English and some of her favorite artists include Juan Gabriel, Linda Ronstadt, Celia Cruz, Selena, Vicente Fernandez, Paquita La Del Barrio and Freddy Fender.
Terry was an avid cat lover and had a generation of kitties that she cared for which included Diana, Casey and Charlie. She cared for the outdoor stray cats and provided food and blankets for them.


Terry took care of her mother, Teresa after she had a stroke in 1983 and could no longer walk. Her mother passed away in 1990.
Terry also took care of Irene's mother, Octavia Gonzalez and her daughter, Gloria Gonzales who was bedridden due to a condition since birth.
Terry dedicated and sacrificed her life to taking care of Ms. Gonzalez who passed away in 1992 and Gloria who passed away in 2011.
Tragedy would then hit Terry's immediate family.
In July 2011, Terry lost her beloved nephew, Francisco" Frankie" Castro at age 38 due to a rare cancer.
In July 2012, Terry lost her sister, Rosie Flores who died of heart failure.
In October 2016, Terry lost her youngest sister, Martha Castro to ovarian cancer.
In that same year, Terry's only living sister, Maida Castro developed Alzheimer's disease.
In the recent years, Terry took care of Irene who developed dementia. She again sacrificed and put her own needs aside to care for a loved one.
On June 3, 2017, a cancerous tumor was discovered in Terry's left kidney which was surgically removed, however, the cancer had already spread to her spine and bones.
Terry could no longer take care of Irene. Sadly, they both had to move and separate in July from the address they lived together for nearly 25 years located at 1138 W. 17th Street in Los Angeles, CA.
Terry's lifelong independence, strength and companionship had been suddenly and rapidly taken away in such a short time.
Niece, Rosalinda Pruitt arranged for Terry to live out her final time under hospice care at her home in Ontario, CA. Niece, Terri "Huera" Trenado was helping to care for Aunt Terry with assistance from nieces, Tina Rodriguez, Yolanda Castro and nephews, Tony Gaitan and Raymond Gaitan.
On August 30, 2017, Terry's longtime companion of 42 years, Irene Guerrero passed away. Fortunately, Terry was able to see Irene one last time at her bedside hours before.
On September 11, 2017, just eleven days later, Terry Castro-Villa passed away.
Terry's nieces and nephews, their kids and her sister, Maida were by her bedside days before her passing.
We take comfort in knowing that Aunt Terry is another angel watching over us, still protecting us and has reunited with Irene, her mother, Teresa, her father, Antonio, her sisters, Rosie and Martha and all of our beloved angels in heaven.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Teresa Castro

Sponsored by Draper Mortuary.

What is your first memory of Teresa?

Share a favorite memory you have of Teresa.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Teresa.

Describe a time when Teresa made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Teresa?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Teresa.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Teresa.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Teresa.

What is something you learned from Teresa?

Not sure what to say?

6 Entries

October 13, 2017

What a beautifully written Obituary! A great tribute to a kind and generous Woman who lived life with Courage & Dignity! I look forward to Celebrating her Glorious Life tomorrow with her family and friends!

Rev. Andy Encinas

October 11, 2017

Tony Gaitan

Aunt Terry, I still cannot believe you are no longer with us. You were so full of life and love that you always expressed until the end of this life on earth. I'll miss your wonderful sense of humor and warm heart. You're love and guidance will always be with me.

October 10, 2017

Yolanda Castro

Words could never describe how painful it was to find out how cancer took your life you are missed dearly terry I love you forever your loving and giving spirit will forever be cherished xoxo

October 10, 2017

Yolanda Castro

Words could never describe how painful it was to find out how cancer took your life you are missed dearly terry I love you forever your loving and giving spirit will forever be cherished xoxo

October 10, 2017

Rosalinda Pruitt

Aunt Terry, you are sorely missed Gone too soon but You will live on forever in our hearts ♥ Love you. Until we meet again in Heaven. Rest In Peace beautiful

October 8, 2017

Diane García

Tía you are truly Missed. Your beautiful smile and amazing personality has touch so many of us. Thank you for always opening your home to many of us. Love you and miss u tia .. you will forever be in our hearts..

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Teresa Castro 's name

Memorial Events
for Teresa Castro

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Draper Mortuary

811 North Mountain Ave, Ontario, CA 91762

How to support Teresa's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Teresa Castro 's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more