Anita Salame Sitz-Castillo

Anita Salame Sitz-Castillo, known affectionately as Ann, Annie, Aunt Annie, and Grammy, was born on September 24, 1947, in Greely, Colorado. A radiant soul, Ann charmed all those who crossed her path with her vivacious spirit. She departed this world on June 1, 2025, in her home in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by cherished loved ones, leaving behind a vibrant legacy that will echo through the hearts of her family and friends.

A dedicated professional, Ann spent many fruitful years as an apartment manager in San Antonio, a profession that allowed her to meet and befriend many. Following her graduation from the University of Texas at San Antonio, her journey began at the Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center, and then the United Way, where she applied her skills with grace and intelligence and she became a nurturing light for those in her community. Graduating at the age of 51, she earned her degree in Business Management on May 15, 1999, a testament to her relentless drive for personal accomplishment.

Ann’s spirit was deeply intertwined with music; she grew up in a home buzzing with melodies, thanks to her mother, Lala, and her father, Tommy, a talented musician and mariachi. These formative years instilled a passion for singing within her, and she never missed an opportunity to share her voice. Ann’s birthdays and Mother's Days sparkled with joy, often celebrated at various restaurants, where mariachis played and she sang along heartily. Music was her refuge, a conduit for expression, and a way to connect with the ones she loved. It was music that kept her connected to family while struggling through her last years of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia.

Anita and her husband, Armando Castillo, spent 39 years together celebrating the fruits of their labors. Armando was her sole caregiver and cared for her with love and compassion until her last day. Anita, the oldest among ten siblings, embraced the role of a second mother with open arms, showering her brothers and sisters with unconditional love and support. Her family was her pride and joy, and she celebrated their achievements fervently. She was particularly proud of her daughter, Laura Sitz-Treviño (Bobby), and her stepchildren, Erica Graciano (Joe), and Mark Castillo (Monica). The twinkle in her eyes shone even brighter when she spoke of her grandchildren—Adrien, Darien (Jaliene Rayo), Jared, Arabella, Jonathon, Jonas, Mark Jr., Alyssa, and Aliana —and the newest addition, great-grandson, Elias, who brought boundless joy into her life.

Affectionately remembered by her sisters, Lupe Salame Vidal, Oralia Salame, Elisa Salame Hardin, and Sandra Salame Galvan; her brothers, Jesse Salame, Sr. (Delia), Jose Alonzo Salame (Wilma), Sr., John Salame (Pat), and Edward Salame (Margie); her brother-in-law, Luis Vasquez (Lupe); and sister-in-law, Olga Villarreal (David), Ann was a beacon of encouragement and positivity. Her passing leaves a profound void not only in the lives of her children and siblings, but also in the hearts of her numerous nephews and nieces and great-nephews and great-nieces. Her generous spirit and uplifting personality were a lifeline for many, and she forged friendships that blossomed into a beautiful tapestry of memories throughout her life.

Though several dear ones have gone before her—including her father, Thomas “Tommy” Salame, Sr.; mother, Wenseslada “Lala” Salame; brother, Thomas Alden Salame, Jr.; former husband, Walter Sitz; brothers-in-law, Dario E. Vidal, William E. Hardin, Sr., and Domingo V. Ramos, Sr.; niece, Roxanne Ramos; mother-in-law, Anita Vasquez; and brother-in-law, David Vasquez—Ann’s love for them continues to resonate within her family. Their memories live on through the stories shared and the lives she touched.

Ann leaves behind a legacy defined by generosity, warmth, and infectious laughter. She was intelligent, articulate, and fiercely opinionated, yet unfailingly generous, offering a listening ear and encouraging advice to those around her. An indomitable spirit who never knew a stranger, Ann’s charismatic and jovial nature endeared her to many, and her beautiful smile brightened countless days.

Her family invites all who knew and loved Ann to pay their respects during the visitation on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 4415 S. Flores St., San Antonio, TX 78214. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 12:00 PM followed by a Funeral Mass at 1:00 PM. Services will conclude in the church that afternoon.

Ann's beautiful and encouraging personality will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May perpetual light shine upon her, rest in eternal peace, mama.