Teresa "Terry" Castro

Her father called her “Teresita.” Family and friends just called her “Terry.”

Terry’s family arrived in the United States in 1955 in Tucson, AZ with her three sisters: Rosemarie (Rosita), Maida (Maidita) and Martha (Martita). Terry was the oldest of the four sisters.

The family moved to Los Angeles, CA where Terry grew up and went to school. She played the clarinet in the high school band and graduated with honors and a scholarship from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1963.

Terry joined the Army in 1964 and served until 1967. Her rank was Private E-1. She also played the clarinet in the Army band.

Terry worked various jobs including a tobacco factory and dry cleaning store located at Sunset & Fountain Ave. in the East Hollywood area of Los Angeles where some of her nieces and nephews would visit.

Terry never had children but had nine nieces and nephews which she loved and spoiled as if we were her own kids.

In 1975, Terry met her companion, Irene Guerrero. We nieces and nephews referred to them as Terry and Irene- Our aunts.

Terry and Irene lived in the front house located at 1415 S. Dewey Ave. in the mid-city area of Los Angeles, CA. Her sisters, Maida and Martha, their kids and her mother Teresa lived in the small houses in the rear. Her sister Rosemarie “Rosie” lived across the street with her kids.

The family lived close to one another on Dewey Ave. for nearly 15 years. Terry would remain close with her sisters even after the family had to separate and move to different cities in 1990. Terry always kept a close connection with her sisters by calling them to check in with the famiy.

Terry would never forget a birthday and Xmas and would call family on the phone with her cheerful greetings. She also mailed birthday and Xmas cards with money in them.

Terry was very generous and would always help a loved one in need.

Though Terry was a friendly, warm-hearted, peaceful lady, she was also very protective of her family. If she ever saw anyone causing trouble to family, Terry would get tough and fearless and stand up to them face to face.

Terry was a major sports fan but especially loved baseball and the Los Angeles Dodgers. She cheered loud and proud while watching the games on TV. You could hear her vocal cheers from a distance and get a kick out of her screaming at the TV.

Terry loved her music both Spanish and English and some of her favorite artists include Juan Gabriel, Linda Ronstadt, Celia Cruz, Selena, Vicente Fernandez, Paquita La Del Barrio and Freddy Fender.

Terry was an avid cat lover and had a generation of kitties that she cared for which included Diana, Casey and Charlie. She cared for the outdoor stray cats and provided food and blankets for them.

Terry took care of her mother, Teresa after she had a stroke in 1983 and could no longer walk. Her mother passed away in 1990.

Terry also took care of Irene’s mother, Octavia Gonzalez and her daughter, Gloria Gonzales who was bedridden due to a condition since birth.

Terry dedicated and sacrificed her life to taking care of Ms. Gonzalez who passed away in 1992 and Gloria who passed away in 2011.

Tragedy would then hit Terry’s immediate family.

In July 2011, Terry lost her beloved nephew, Francisco” Frankie” Castro at age 38 due to a rare cancer.

In July 2012, Terry lost her sister, Rosie Flores who died of heart failure.

In October 2016, Terry lost her youngest sister, Martha Castro to ovarian cancer.

In that same year, Terry’s only living sister, Maida Castro developed Alzheimer’s disease.

In the recent years, Terry took care of Irene who developed dementia. She again sacrificed and put her own needs aside to care for a loved one.

On June 3, 2017, a cancerous tumor was discovered in Terry’s left kidney which was surgically removed, however, the cancer had already spread to her spine and bones.

Terry could no longer take care of Irene. Sadly, they both had to move and separate in July from the address they lived together for nearly 25 years located at 1138 W. 17th Street in Los Angeles, CA.

Terry’s lifelong independence, strength and companionship had been suddenly and rapidly taken away in such a short time.

Niece, Rosalinda Pruitt arranged for Terry to live out her final time under hospice care at her home in Ontario, CA. Niece, Terri “Huera” Trenado was helping to care for Aunt Terry with assistance from nieces, Tina Rodriguez, Yolanda Castro and nephews, Tony Gaitan and Raymond Gaitan.

On August 30, 2017, Terry’s longtime companion of 42 years, Irene Guerrero passed away. Fortunately, Terry was able to see Irene one last time at her bedside hours before.

On September 11, 2017, just eleven days later, Terry Castro-Villa passed away.

Terry’s nieces and nephews, their kids and her sister, Maida were by her bedside days before her passing.

We take comfort in knowing that Aunt Terry is another angel watching over us, still protecting us and has reunited with Irene, her mother, Teresa, her father, Antonio, her sisters, Rosie and Martha and all of our beloved angels in heaven.