Matilde Castro

Matilde Rodríguez Castro passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, January 24, 2026, just one month shy of her 89th birthday, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Born on February 24, 1937, in Cataño, Puerto Rico, Matilde’s smile could light up a room. She moved from her island hometown, to the northern suburbs of Chicago in search of new opportunities. While out one weekend with friends in Chicago, she met Manuel Castro of Guanajuato, Mexico, at a dance hall. They fell in love and married, and together they built a life centered on strong family values. Manuel preceded her in death in February 1986. Matilde was a devoted mother to Sergio (Dafina) Castro, Veronica (Matt) Castro Mittino, and Victor (Jennifer Kavanagh) Castro. While committed to her family, she was never content to remain idle. With her children in school, she returned to her own studies, earning a degree in nursing. She went on to work at St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois for over 20 years, primarily in obstetrics—a role she truly loved. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she also became the hospital’s primary interpreter, a source of comfort and connection for countless patients. In retirement, Matilde continued to give her time and energy to others. She volunteered at her church, served as a playground monitor at a local middle school, and took immense joy in being a grandmother to her four grandchildren: Nicole Mikels Castro; Luca and Rocco Mittino Castro; and Shea Marie Castro Kavanagh. She will be remembered for her deep faith, sharp sense of humor, spunky spirit and her radiant smile. A celebration of life will be on MONDAY, February 2, 2026, from 6-9pm at BENSON FUNERAL HOME, 3224 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States. 

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