Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, our brightest beacon and most fiercest ally, our wisest counsel and family matriarch, Elvira Arredondo Castro was called to our Heavenly Father's side on July 26. She expired peacefully surrounded by loving family in her home in Silver City, the home she cherished and loved so deeply.
Elvira was born January 16, 1939 in Santa Gertrudis Durango, Mexico. She immigrated to the United States in 1964 and quickly made Silver City her beloved home. Elvira deeply cherished her panoramic view from Brewer Hill and surrounding neighbors quickly became an extended family. In her home, all were welcomed and she enjoyed daily visits from family, friends and neighbors.
Elvira was a devout practitioner of the Catholic faith, she demonstrated charity through acts of giving, kindness, love and forgiveness. Elvira cherished Saint Vincent De Paul Catholic Church and proudly served as a Guadalupana, assisting with repass meals and perish cleaning. Elvira often philosophized, stating that there are those born to serve and others born to be served. Elvira’s spiritual journey included pilgrimages to El Santuario de Chimayo, Santa Rita Shrine, San Juan de los Lagos in Guadalajara, El Señor de los Guerreros in el Pueblo del Tizonazo in Durango, Mexico and numerous others.
Elvira´s greatest and most enduring legacy is her children, who she raised singlehandedly in love, generosity, kindness and humility. At family gatherings, she would marvel at her expansive family in joyful amazement and proclaim that she was truly blessed to see her many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would say, who could have imagined that all this family sprouted from a single acorn.
Our mother was fearless and triumphed over many barriers and sacrificed all for our benefit. Her loving heart forgave deeply, she was selflessly generous and gave wholeheartedly until there was nothing left to give. Our family is deeply saddened and heartbroken, but comforted by a heavenly reunion with God, our grandfather, grandmother, aunt, uncle and sister. We will cradle her loving memory deep within our hearts, live and widely distribute her lessons of forgiveness, generosity, kindness, humility, and most importantly and above all, we will always choose love. Rest In Peace dearest mother, your job is complete, you raised us well - Gracias.
She was preceded in death by her father Apolonio Arredondo, first-daughter Guadalupe Castro, mother Amadita Vasquez, sister Maria Ortega, Brother Perfecto Arredondo. Survived by husband Leovigildo Castro, daughter Maria Flowers and husband Andrew (Bastrop, TX), son Anacleto Castro and wife Laura (Torrance, CA), daughter Juanita Duarte and husband Arthur (Las Cruces, NM), son Lío Castro and wife Donna (Las Vegas, NM), son David Castro (Albuquerque, NM), daughter Irma Carrasco and husband Teddy (Las Cruces, NM), son Victor Castro and wife Mindy (Colorado Springs, CO), daughter Lorena Garcia and husband Felipe (Sapello, NM), son Martin Castro and wife Diane (Pueblo, Co), 32 grand-children, 23 great grand-children and flowering.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 1 from 5-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary being recited by Deacon Art Gutierrez to begin at 6pm. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, August 2 at 10am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Oliver Obele officiating. Concluding service and interment will follow at St. Vincent Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be sons, Anacleto, Leo, David, Victor, and Martin Castro, sons-in-law,Teddy Carrasco and Arthur Duarte. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.