Mercedes P. Castillo

Mercedes P. Castillo, 104, of Greeley, CO died April 27, 2010 at her home in Greeley. Mercedes was born on September 24, 1905 in Mexico to Genovevo and Faliciana (Ortiz) Paez. In 1913, at the age of 8 she came to the United States with her parents. They settled outside of San Antonio, TX where she grew up on the family farm. Mercedes lost her hearing at a very early age. She was self educated and learned to read and write both English and Spanish. In 1950 she became an American Citizen and voted in every election. In 1930 she married Juan V. Castillo. They continued to live on the family farm until they relocated to Colorado in 1947, living in the Gill area. They later moved to Greeley where they raised their eight children. Her husband died in 1990 after 60 years of marriage. Mercedes lived with her youngest daughter from 1990-1998 when she moved in with her oldest son and daughter-in-law, Otilio and Gloria Castillo. Gloria and Patricia, Mercedes granddaughter provided her with loving care and comfort until the end. Although her daughter Pauline Castillo was ill she was also always there with support and care. Mercedes loved to read the Greeley Tribune, crochet, and take care of her flower garden until she lost her eye sight four years ago. She was a very religious person and spent many hours volunteering at her church. She loved her friends and family very much and will be deeply missed. She is survived by sons, Otilio P. (Gloria) Castillo, Raymund P. (Esther) Castillo; daughters, Pauline P. (Bernardo) Garza, Maria (Leroy) Andrade, all of Greeley, Beautriz (John) Bermundez of Los Angeles, CA and Rebecca Anderson of Greeley; two grandchildren that she raised, John Daniel Castillo of Arizona and Eileen Gallegos Castillo of Greeley; special great grandson, Robert Castillo and great- great grandson, Audie Castillo. She is also survived by 27 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; numerous nieces; nephews; and one special dear niece, Hortencia P. Reyes of San Antonio. She is preceded in death by her husband, Juan V. Castillo; parents; one daughter; one son; two grandsons; five brothers; and three sisters. Recitation of The Rosary will be at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, May 2, 2010 at Adamson Chapel, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 3, 2010 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 915 12th Street followed by interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.