Lillian Alice Castro

Lillian Alicia Castro Lily was born July 3rd, 1957 in San Diego CA. and passed away December 31st, 2018 in Tacoma WA at St Claire’s hospital. She is survived by her daughter Shawni Gardiner, mother Soledad Castro, brothers, David Castro(Sheri), Frank(Caroline), sister, Angela Gettis(Keith) and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Lily as we all know her by will be greatly missed. Her spirit and zest for life will always be remembered for those that truly knew her. She was the second oldest of her siblings. When her older sister died at a young age, Lily became the oldest, and she filled that roll well. She loved us all, and went above and beyond her support for us. She was our one and only true cheerleader. As a child she was always listening and dancing to music. She loved the Beatles, among other popular bands in the 70’s. She loved to go to night clubs when she was of age and dance. As her illness took over she would often say, she was going to walk and dance again. She never gave up hope. Lily and Shawni, her daughter, had a very special bond. Lily would lighten up whenever Shawni came to visit. From the time Shawni was born, she was Lily’s “Shawni Girl”. Even Lily’s last day with us, when she saw Shawni, Lily was trying to comfort her. Lily held her family close. When she moved back to Tacoma, she lived with our mom. They spent time, cooking and preparing meals for whoever came to visit. She loved to cook and bake. There was always cookies for us when we came to visit. Even over this last holiday, Lily came to our moms house with a bowl full of candy. The Seahawks were her favorite team. We all knew game day, Lily had all her twelfth man gear on. along with her jewelry and makeup. During the games, she would watch in silence, until they scored or completed a big play. On Fridays when she went to dialysis she dressed in Seahawks colors, from hat to shoes. Everything had to be Seahawks . GO HAWKS! Lily taught us to embrace life as she did. Even as the illness progressed, we never knew how bad her pain was. She kept upbeat and positive. She would often say, I’m going to get through this. As a member of the YMCA, she met people and talked openly about her health. She drew people to her with her infectious smile and laughter. Please join us in celebrating Lily’s life, Friday January 18th, 12noon at St. Leo’s Church in Tacoma WA. Burial will be Saturday January 19th, 11am at Calvary Cemetery in Tacoma WA. Poem by Lily When the sun shines through the branches I know a new day has begun, and all that happened yesterday are just memories in my mind. I think of tomorrow and wonder will it come? And when the sun shines through the branches I know that new day has begun! We will miss you Lily, but your positive, loving spirit will remain in our hearts forever! Love you Arrangements by Edwards Memorial, Funerals Homes, Chapels and Crematories. 253-566-1008