Juanita Magdalen Castillo

Juanita Magdalen Castillo, a beloved matriarch and cherished member of the Groves community, passed away on October 8, 2025, at the age of 97, in her home surrounded by family. Born on March 14, 1928, in Ville Platte, Louisiana, Juanita’s journey led her from her Southern roots to Port Arthur in the 1940s, following her heart and marrying the love of her life, Eugene Castillo, on December 20, 1947. In 1955, after their marriage, Juanita and Eugene made their home in Groves, Texas, where she would create a legacy of warmth, love, and hospitality that would bless many for generations.

Juanita was a devoted wife, loving mother, and a doting grandmother. Her life was a testament to the joys of family, and she took immense pride in her children and grandchildren along with her greats and greats greats. She is survived by her sons, Shon Eugene Castillo, Michael Dean Castillo and his wife, Flor, Brian Stephen Castillo and his wife, Debra, David Wayne Castillo and his wife, Sharon, and her daughter, Lucy Kathleen Winger and her husband, Jeff Dyson. She also leaves behind a remarkable lineage of grandchildren: Carlos Castillo and his wife, Brandie, Michael Castillo and his wife, Mercedes, James Jordan and his wife, Liz, Kathleen Patin and her husband, Jason, Mary Jordan, Sara Jordan, Jonathan Jordan, Carol Castillo Luong and her husband Jason, Vanessa Wilson, Stacy McCool and her husband, Jacob, Stephen Castillo and his husband, Sidney Terry, Patrick Castillo, Trea Castillo, Whitney Winger and Chad Darcy, Paul Winger and his wife, Cali, Crystal Hightower and her husband, Jeremy, Tiffany Drew and her husband, Chris, and Stephanie Martin and her husband, Joseph. Juanita’s family extended with love through twenty nine great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Juanita was proud of her education, having graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School in 1945 and later from Lamar University. She was a longstanding member of Immaculate Conception-St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, where her vibrant spirit and kind heart were a blessing to all who knew her. Juanita loved to cook, and her kitchen was always filled with the delicious aromas of her culinary creations, making everyone feel welcome in her home.

In addition to her immediate family, Juanita is survived by her dear siblings: Kathleen "Kitty" Lyons, Frances McWilliams, Marshall "Sonny" Miller, Doma Williford, and Betty Freeman, along with her sisters-in-law, Beverly Castillo and Jenny Castillo Panunto. She is preceded in death by her parents, Marchal and Frances Miller, her loving husband Eugene Castillo, her daughter Anne Maureen Castillo Jordan, and her son-in-law Milton Earl Winger.

Juanita’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with the threads of love, laughter, and hard work. Her engaging personality, deep compassion, and unwavering faith brought joy to all who were fortunate enough to cross her path. The lives she touched will forever hold her memory dear as they carry on her legacy of love and kindness.

Visitation and Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception-St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, located at 4100 Lincoln Avenue, Groves, Texas 77619. The visitation will take place on October 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM until noon, followed by a Mass from noon.  Juanita will be laid to rest at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Nederland, Texas, following the Mass.

 Juanita Magdalen Castillo’s light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of her family and friends, and her legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched.