Xochitl Yvette Perez Castillo

Querida Xochitl,
Today marks one year since your tragic and untimely death. I miss you dearly and think of you often. Although I will never see your pretty face or hear your sweet caring voice again, the beauty of your spirit will remain a constant presence in my life: its brilliance too intense to fade with time. Thank you for the memories and inspiration.
Eres unica y siempre te recordare como una verdadera amiga.

I, like my classmate John Mendoza, was looking to reconnect with Xochitl when I learned of this tragedy. The members of the Jesse H. Jones Vanguard Class of '88 Students and Faculty are saddened by your loss. We are ever the more blessed to have known Xochitl. Take comfort in knowing that she is with her Heavenly Father. Our prayers are with the family....

Xochitl,

I did a search to see if I could re-connect with you, and found out the terrible news. I am so sorry for your family's loss. Que descanses en paz, querida Xochitl.

I was in Doha Qatar when I learned of your passing and was deeply saddened. A great light in the world went out when we lost you. I've searched for you for 11 years and could not find you. It was a devastating realization when I learned of your passing.

You hated that I came in the military. I looked for you on countless occasions to share with you the incredible work I've done. I wanted to give to you my stories of wonder, of experiences few can relate and to share a smile and...

To our baby Tea Lady. You added a wonderful energy to our group, a love for life, a strength of self. Over time our meetings were few and far between, but as friends, we were always connected. The Tea Ladies will always be connected. Thank you for coming to our reunion this past June. It was a precious gift. Just like you.

Querida Xochitl:

It is only today that I have learned of your death, and that of your mother. My heart breaks with the news.

You were a radiant beautiful woman, a soul-sister blessed with an open heart, passionate idealism, savvy intelligence, quicksilver fiestiness, and serene self-possession. You were manificent in so many ways, my friend.

I celebrate your life, and will remember you always--when I light a candle to Our Lady of Guadalupe, when I drink good wine, when...

Xochitl, Today marks exactly one month since you and Mom passed away. I'm speechless to the loss. You were a great leader in the community and an excellent sister. They say the apple doesn't fall from the tree. I'm certain Mom is proud of you as well, as is Dad. Your siblings and godson are proud of you as well. You leave behind a legacy that is unmatched, and a standard that is special to your character. Thank you for being such a wonderful person, and for teaching my son, Christopher,...

Xochitl,
You were such a great person.I just heard of the news today as I brought my son to school.You will be missed dearly by our family.
Lisa Crowley
A parent from the J.F.K. Elementary School

Mi querida Xochitl,

Words can not describe the deep sorrow I feel since hearing, only yesterday, of your tragic end. I had spoken to you two weeks ago, the night before your journey down the Mexican road toward Houston, on your way to come out to California for my wedding, as you were to be my maid of honor.

Xochitl, in the decade that I have known you, your extraordinary beauty, intellect, courage and integrity, your unwaivering loyalty to family and friends are all...