Posted on 11/05/2023

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Donna Delene Castillo Donna was born January 29, 1944, in Alton, Illinois, and came to California at the age of 11. She died at home on October 26, 2023 after a long illness. Donna graduated from James Marshall High School in 1961 and attended Sacramento City College and California State University. She held various employed and volunteer positions throughout her life, but her main devotion was always her home and family. Donna was 16 when she met Robert Castillo in high school, and they would go on to be married in 1965 while Robert was attending the University of California, San Francisco. They would make their home in Lake Tahoe after his graduation for 2 years and then return to West Sacramento. In addition to her husband of 57 years, Robert Castillo, she is survived by daughter Delena Gamez (Raul) of West Sacramento; brother Bobby Smith (Pat) of El Dorado Hills; preceded in death by David Castillo (1989) and infant sons Kirk Castillo(1966), Robert Castillo(1968), Robert Daniel Castillo(1973), and infant daughter Gloria Castillo(1975). Loving Grandmother to Mitchell, Martin, Marissa (Vitaly), Sariah and Uriah; Great grandmother to Isaiah and Jocelyn; Beloved Sister-in-law to Elvia Barudoni (deceased), Alice Castillo, Alfonso Castillo (Virginia), Carolyn Pierson (John) and Sylvia Corbin (Bob); She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and friends. She will be particularly missed by her fun-loving. dear friends the "Ladybugs". Donna was a lover of life, knowledge and adventure and never ceased to pursue exciting new experiences that she shared with her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She had a keen mind, a curious intellect and was creative beyond the usual. She poured her heart and talent into her gardening, decorating, handcrafts, cooking and teaching. Her home was the center of family gatherings for the Castillo clan. Christmas was her favorite holiday and was always extravagantly decorated with a childlike fantasy of teddy bears, Santa Clause's, and other decorations. Donna will always be remembered as a person with love in her heart for everyone and as a grandma extraordinaire. Friends and family are welcome to attend the Rosary and vigil at River Cities Funeral Chapel at 6:00 pm on Thursday November 9, 2023, and a funeral mass at 11:30 am, November 10, 2023, at Our Lady of Grace Church, followed by interment at St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family prefers gifts of live plants that can be planted in a garden memorial or kept in her family home in Donna's honor.