Amanda Pretty-Castro

Amanda Pretty-Castro January 23, 1962 – May 8, 2025

Amanda Pretty-Castro, beloved wife, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, California, on May 8, 2025, surrounded by love. She was 63 years old.

Born on January 23, 1962, in Fiji, Amanda lived a life full of adventure, resilience, laughter, and heart. Her early years took her across the globe, growing up in Nigeria, Spain, Malta, France, and England — experiences that helped shape her grace, wit, and warm spirit. After graduating from Cobham Hall boarding school in Kent, England, in 1979, she moved to California with her father, stepmother, and brother the following year.

Amanda’s strength was evident from a young age. At just 14, she was diagnosed with leukemia and became one of only two survivors in a clinical trial. That same quiet courage and perseverance carried her through life’s joys and hardships, including her later battle with colon cancer — which she faced with dignity, humor, and an unshakable spirit.

Professionally, Amanda worked as an executive assistant at companies like Seagate, Synopsis, and Good Will Industries, it is there where she met her life long  friend Joyce.  Her reliability, professionalism, and personal warmth made her beloved by colleagues. Her true gift, however, was the way she connected with others — making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved.

In 1989, Amanda met Giovan Castro, the love of her life. They were married in 1992 and spent over three decades together, building a home filled with laughter, cartoons, British comedies, holiday traditions, and trips to Disneyland — one of Amanda’s favorite places.

Her signature blend of elegance and silliness made Amanda unforgettable. She was known for her thoughtful cards, genuine kindness, and phrases like “You’re a gem” and “Have a grand day.”  She had a tender heart for animals, a deep love for Christmas, and a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews, whom she adored as if they were her own.

Amanda is survived by her husband, Giovan Castro; brother and sister-in-laws Larry and Mary Castro, Tim Castro and Norma Garcia, Robert and Chistina Antonino; her nieces and nephews Alysha, Stefan, Jiaona, Dane, Lauren, Ryan, Allison, Savannah, Damien, and Hunter, step mother Ruth Pretty, dear friend Joyce Jenerjohn and a wide circle of extended family and cherished friends who will carry her memory forward with love.

A celebration of Amanda’s life will be held on Thursday, June 12  at noon at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church located at 435 Monterey Ave., Capitola, California.

Amanda’s warmth, grace, humor, and generous heart touched the lives of everyone she met. Though she has left this world, her light and love will continue to shine in all who knew her.