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Irene Castaneda Obituary
Our beloved sister and friend, Irene (Winnie) Castaneda, passed away peacefully on Nov. 14, 2010, with her family at her side. She is now free of pain.
She was born Jan. 3, 1944, in El Paso, Texas, to Magdalena and Stanley Castaneda. Winnie attended school in Texas, moving to Oxnard in 1959. She graduated from Oxnard High School in 1964 and Ventura College in 1972. Irene's first job was with the Bob Jones Ranch as a bookkeeper, then on to Gemco and Montgomery Wards. In 1970, Winnie went to work for the County of Ventura in Public Health Care and retired in 1993.
In 1974, she was in a major automobile accident that changed the rest of her life. She spent two years recovering before returning to public health care, that she held dear to her heart.
Volunteering was a main focus in Irene's life. She served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Ventura County, United Way, St. John's Auxiliary (twice President) and numerous churches and school programs. She had a love of sports, especially football and basketball. In recent years, her favorite pastime was an evening out, playing Bingo or with family and friends at a restaurant. Her pet dogs, Jack-O-Rue and Bear, were near and dear to her heart. Irene was a person who walked softly through life, always had a smile and spoke kindly, with the highest regard for everyone who touched her life.
Preceding Irene in death were her mother, Magdalena; father, Stanley; and nephew, Brandon.
She is survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank and Diane of Ventura, Stanley and Bobbie, Ray and Martha; brothers, Ruben and Bobby; sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Rob; and sister, Yolanda all of Oxnard. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and many dear friends, especially Wendy Rodriquez, Cheryl Lechene and Sandy Lyle.
The family wishes to express their most sincere thanks, to all who cared for our sister at St. John's Hospital over the many years. And a special, "Thank You" to doctors and nursing staff, who most recently cared for Winnie.
Visitation will take place 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Rosary will begin at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will take place 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 22, at the San Buenaventura Mission with The Reverend Steve Davoren officiating. Burial will take place at Santa Clara Cemetery, Oxnard, on Saturday, Nov. 27 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John's Auxiliary and the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura. Condolences may be left at www.TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Irene Castaneda
Diana Meza(Arellano)
November 29, 2010
Nina,
It's hard to put into words all I want to say so I'll say just a few things. My heart goes out to all my Nina's family and friends. I know what its like losing someone so dear to your heart. I have been truly blessed to have you as my Godmother. Words can't discribe what you mean to me. I felt we have always had a unspoken bond with each other that will remain in my heart forever. I feel your presences around me so I know you'll forever be an angel watching over me. Your shell maybe gone from earth and now in Heaven free from pain but your angelic presences will remaiin in our hearts always.
I love you and will truly miss you.
November 21, 2010
My deepest sympathy to Irenes Family. Our Families were neighbors for years. May Irenes memories stay with you forever,
Suzee Stewart-Woods
Terry Palmitier
November 21, 2010
Forever in my memories. Rest in peace, Winnie.
November 21, 2010
Winnie was a caring and comforting soul who helped us with the care of my mom for several years. Rest in peace, Winnie. Dorothy Davis (Thousand Oaks, CA)
Wendy Rodriguez
November 20, 2010
Winnie was a gift from God to all her friends. May she be raised up on angles wings and held in the palm of His Hand!
Thank You Castaneda Family for sharing her with us. Rest in Peace my pal.
Ramona Martinez
November 20, 2010
There will be an empty chair at the holiday table this year, but it will be filled with loving memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
sandra samaniego
November 19, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Irene when she lived with her family in El Rio. My cousin Ronnie introduced me to the whole family. I remember Irene as a very sweet woman who always had a smile on her face. From my family to Irene's family. She will always be remembered. Sandra (Martinez) Samaniego
David Magallanes
November 19, 2010
I was sorry to read that an old high school friend of mine had passed away before her time. I graduated in "65" from Oxnard and in "71" from Ventura College. Winnie was one of my good friends during those years. My only regret is that our friendship did not continue as both of us took different roads in our lives. May Winnie now rest in peace with our creator as she is deserving of no less.
Laurie Fujimoto
November 19, 2010
Winnie,
You were my lifeline in CA while clearing out my mother-in-law's estate this summer in Oxnard. I could not have done it without your company, friendship, and help. It seems like only yesterday we were together daily sharing our life stories with each other, laughing and dining together and sorting and shredding papers and documents...oh, did we shred! You brought joy to my summer--it felt like we had known each other an entire lifetime. I will miss you, my friend...may there be lotto, sports channel, and snail mail in heaven for you to enjoy. With love, Laurie, David and Kayla
Amanda Smith
November 19, 2010
You will be missed dearly. My condolences go out to your family. You are in a better place and I know my mom was there along with your family to welcome you into Heaven. I can already hear you and mom yelling BINGO! and tooting your whistles every time B22 is called. Love you Winnie.
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