Juanita E. Castillo, lovingly known as Janie, passed away on April 30, 2026, in Alice, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and unwavering commitment to family, faith, and community. Born on November 8, 1948, in Brownsville, Texas, Janie’s life was a testament to selflessness and gentle care, touching the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Janie’s journey was marked by a profound dedication to service and education. After graduating from Brownsville High School in 1968, she pursued special education studies at Texas Southmost College. Her professional path reflected her deep compassion and steadfast devotion to supporting others. She devoted four years as a teacher’s aide within the Tuloso-Midway Independent School District, nurturing young minds with patience and kindness. For a decade, she worked as a support worker for the Nueces County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services imparting vital life skills to her students, accompanying them on outings, and fostering their growth with unwavering support.

Beyond her professional life, Janie’s spirit shone brightest in her faith and community involvement. A woman of profound prayer, she attended daily mass and the Benediction at the Blessed Sacrament Adoration Chapel, offering The Rosary each day with heartfelt devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Alongside her cherished lifelong friend, Alva De La Rosa, Janie embraced roles supporting clergy by assisting with music, liturgy, and teaching in the catechetical program at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Brownsville. Their collaborative outreach extended to providing essential social assistance to parish members, embodying Janie’s enduring commitment to service grounded in love.

Her tender heart was not limited to human companions; Janie adored animals, especially cats. For over eight years at Villa Maria Apartments, she faithfully provided food for the cats, birds, and squirrels that brightened her surroundings each morning and evening. Her creative spirit found expression in ceramics, crafting unique pieces for family and friends—a passion that once blossomed into a small shop on Ayers Street, where she shared her artistry and warmth with the community.

Janie’s roots ran deep in family and tradition. Childhood memories of working in cotton fields alongside her family and walking with her mother painted the backdrop of a life rich in love and perseverance. She was a steadfast aunt and guardian of joy for the Herrera and Sais family members—a constant presence at birthdays, holidays, funerals, and special occasions. To these families, Janie was more than kin; she was a beacon of laughter, love, care, and comfort, a source of unwavering support during times both joyous and challenging. Her role as a cherished aunt and friend will be profoundly missed by all who were touched by her kindness.

She is survived by her beloved nieces, Cynthia (Cindy) Alvarez, Georgia Alvarez Lord, Cecilia (Ceci) Shiflet, Jacqueline (Jackie) Luna; her niece/god-daughters, Dolores (Lulu) Davis and Diana Juarez; nephews, Jose (Joey) Martinez, Hanz DaSilva, Steve Shiflet, Zachary DaSilva, and Brandon Luna; great-nieces Dasha (Atlas) Alvarez, Veronica Juarez, and Hannah Klaassen; great-nephews, Charles Davis, Alfredo Juarez, Rudolpho Juarez, Jr., Benjamin Klaassen, and Moises (Moy) Avila; great-great nephew, Calloway Klaassen; and her god-daughter, Therese Sais. The Herrera and Sais families continue to hold her memory close to their hearts.

Janie’s passing follows the earlier loss of her devoted parents, Guadalupe Saldierna Castillo and Guadalupe Hernandez Castillo; her sisters, Maria Guadalupe (Pita) Alvarez, Maria Anita (Anna) Martinez, and Maria Concepcion (Concha/Connie) DaSilva; her nephews, Baltazar (B.B.) Alvarez, III and Cristobal Alvarez; and her treasured best friend, Alva De La Rosa.

Her spirit lives on in those who bore witness to her kindness, faith, and generosity, the souls she uplifted, and the family she nurtured. As we bid farewell, we hold tight to her memory, her gentle prayers, her smile, and the quiet strength she unfailingly offered.

Pallbearers who will honor her memory are Hanz DaSilva, Zachary DaSilva, Brandon Luna, Steve Shiflet, Vincent Beanes, Matthew Teran, Christopher Teran, Nathan Alexander, and Nick Alexander. Honorary and alternate pallbearers include Martin Sais and Dean Alexander.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Treviño Funeral Home, 3006 Niagara St, Corpus Christi, TX 78405, with the Holy Rosary to begin at 7:00 PM that evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, at 10:00 AM. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at 11:30 AM at Rose Hill Memorial Park.

Juanita E. Castillo’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, faith, and service. Though she departs from this world, her light continues to shine brightly in the hearts she touched and the lives she changed forever. May she rest in eternal peace, embraced by the boundless love she so deeply cherished.

To leave your condolences for the family of Juanita E. Castillo, share your memories, or visit her tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.