Marcelina Orallo Castillo was born to Moises and Maria Orallo in the Philippines on July 17, 1937. At a young age, she showed ardent devotion and love for God and her Catholic faith, attending Mass with her mother Maria and teaching catechism. She loved to tell stories of growing up with her two brothers Pastor and Dan in the Philippines. She would later meet and wed her “Rock Hudson” Felicisimo Castillo at the University of the East where they graduated with their Bachelor Degrees in Business Administration/Accounting.
Indeed, Felicisimo recalls that she had a twinkle in her eye and a smile that lit the room. With strength and courage, the pair decided to move to the USA in order to provide the best life they could for their growing family. Marcelina sacrificed her time away during the weekdays to work at Blue Shield in the Bay Area and Felicisimo worked for the local school district. However, her children recall looking forward to Friday evenings when they would pick their mother up from the Bay Area and take her back home with them to Gilroy for the weekend.
Marcelina and Felicisimo provided a loving home for their family full of fond memories of going to the beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, and BART rides in San Francisco. The sound of her humming, particularly Doris Day, and organ playing would fill the room. The aroma of her sweet and savory Filipino dishes permeated the air. Not one to shy away from potlucks, Marcelina would gather her children for lumpia-making nights to share her talented culinary skills with others. Her children specifically recall her emphasis on correctly cutting meat and vegetables. Her weekends were also filled with going to family gatherings where she always brought her delectable dishes to share and helped others with theirs. She enjoyed spending time with her brothers and cousins, reminiscing about their time in the Philippines. The annual Villiasis Association picnics and dinners provided her with an opportunity to show off her dancing skills as she and Felicisimo fox-trotted and tangoed their way around the dance floor. Any opportunity to dance, was an opportunity for others to see how much love and joy they had for each other and for dancing.
Marcelina emphasized the importance of education to her children and was always proud to point out that they all attended college. Her door was always open where everyone could find a meal and thoughtful conversation with her, followed by delicious leftovers to take home. She had the ability to make any stranger feel like a long-lost friend. During tax season, her door was open to family members as she prepared everyone’s returns to be filed in April. Shirley Temple movies and English literature were some of her favorite ways to pass the time. Once she retired from the County of Santa Clara, games of solitaire and world travel filled her time. She always found joy in new adventures and lived by the words of Que Sera, Sera. Once Felicisimo retired, they left the mild temperate weather of Gilroy for the warm summer temperature of Fresno to be near their children and grandchildren. Her kind voice, generous nature, and infectious laughter and smile will be remembered by all. It is her attributes that we see in her children: Armando’s love for dancing, Anthony’s unwavering patience, Maria V’s friendly nature and love of cooking, Marissa’s love of travel, Philip’s business acumen, Sheila’s generous nature, and Phil’s sharp intellect. Her love and guidance can also be seen in her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Although God has called Marcelina home, we know her legacy will live on in her family and friends. We will miss her dearly.
Marcelina is survived by her spouse, Felicisimo Capinpin Castillo; son Anthony Orallo Castillo (Normini Marbil Briones); daughter Maria Victoria Castillo Gomez (George Deleon Gomez); daughter Marissa Castillo Dawson (David Wayne Dawson); son Philip Orallo Castillo (Robyn Lynn Castillo); daughter Sheila Orallo Mallory (Phillip Andrew Mallory); and son Phil Orallo Castillo (Eileen Coloma Castillo). Survived by 13 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren.
Marcelina was preceded in death by son Armando Orallo Castillo (Susana Peranteau Castillo); brother Pastor Lopez Orallo (Carmelita Orallo); brother Dan Orallo Lopez Manuel (Juanita Mallara David Munuel) and brother Nicolas Lopez Castillo.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary for Marcelina will be held Friday, July 2, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.
A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Saturday, July 3, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit, 355 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, CA 93730.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Castillo family.
