Nora V. Castillo

Nora Valdez Castillo passed away on February 11,  surrounded by her family. Born on January 25, 1933 in Crystal City, Texas to Santiago Hernandez Valdez and Čorina Vasquez Herrera Valdez. She was known for her most sharp-witted personality, kind and giving heart, and her dedication to her family and friends.

She graduated from Crystal City High School. in 1953 and studied as an Executive Secretary at Draughons Practical Business College in 1954. She used those skills at Main Finance and Bexar County Courthouse. In 1977, she continued her studies in Early Child Development at San Antonio College and Our Lady of the Lake University and worked as a teacher for numerous years with Headstart and substituted for the San Antonio Independent School District. She was admired as being a natural born leader. She was the treasurer for the Salvation Army Seniors. She led girl groups at church, Sunbeams and Girl Guards. She volunteered at the San Antonio State Hospital. Many favorited her cooking at East Central Assembly functions and at Salvation Army gatherings. She made her own outdoor barbecues and sauces. Many had a special love for her tamales and banuelos.

As a mother, she was supportive, loving, nurturing and cherished her children above all else. She was passionate and about sewing, making clothes, and crafts.  She made stuffed bears to give to the elderly in nursing homes and the girls at the Salvation Army and the San Antonio State Hospital that received love through those bears.  She loved spending time reading, crocheting, planting flowers, and singing with her grandchildren. She especially loved going to Garner State Park, Camp Hoblitzell, and Canyon Lake.

She is survived by her loving children, Karen Marie Silva and Celia Castillo Roesser; her adored grandchildren, Valerie Marie Castillo, Janet Marie Silva, Steven Matthew Silva, Aaron James Roesser, Jonathan Charles Coesser, Christopher John Castillo, and Michael James Castillo; her great grandchildren, Jacob Matthew Silva orraine Silva, and Andres Castillo III; her great great grandchildren, Malerie Jennifer Rangel, Michael Johr Rangel, and Myra Jane Rangel; and only remaining sibling and sister, Elida Lopez. She will be missed by many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

She was preceded in death by: Her parents, Santiago Hernandez Valdez and Corina Vasquez Herrera Valdez: her husband, Frank Muriel Castillo; her siblings, Anita Valdez Rodriguez, Crecencio “Chuche” H. Valdez Carlos “Chale” H. Valdez, Arturo Hernandez Valdez, Guadalupe Valdez, Santiago “Jimmy” H. Valdez, and Estela Valdez Martinez; her son, Frank Valdez Castillo, and grandsons, Raymond Joseph Silva and Frank Jeremy Castillo.

A celebration of life will be held on March 21, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Salvation Army Citadel, 2810 W. Ashby, Bidg. 1, San Antonio, Texas 782o1. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Salvation Army or St. Jude’s, as these causes were close to her heart.