Charlotte Adelina Blanche Castillo Nirenberg

Charlotte Adelina Blanche Nirenberg (Castillo) went to be with our Lord on May 23, 2024 in Austin, Texas at age 72. A descendant of English explorer Captain Francis Light, she was born in the place he founded, George Town, on the Malaysian island of Penang, on January 16, 1952. Her parents, Andy and Doris Castillo, along with brother Conrad and sisters Maria and Tina all followed her to America after she married Kenneth Nirenberg in 1971, where they settled in Massachusetts. She was proudly naturalized an American citizen during the U.S. bicentennial in 1976.

Charlotte was raised and lived with a strong faith, which she passed down to her children and found peace in that faith during her last days. A dreamer, she loved art, modeling, music, movies, traveling and good food. She loved to cook for her family or guests and could brighten the darkest day with a pot of spicy coconut beef curry, a pan of homemade lasagna or a bowl of fried rice. Her kitchen was constantly the center of activity, especially when she was teaching (or learning) a new recipe with her children or grandchildren. Charlotte's home, whether it was her bedroom in Malaysia, the apartment in Massachusetts, the family's first house or her own house in Austin, was always filled with the sounds of Cliff Richard, the British superstar whose music she had fallen in love with at an early age. She got to meet Cliff several times, after having founded the Cliff Richard International fan club and managing it out of her house in Austin. Her Cliff albums were among her prized possessions, along with the pictures of her family.

But there was nothing that Charlotte loved more than spending time with her children – Marc, Heather and Ron – grandchildren – Madison, Kelbi, Cayden, Jonah, and Izzy – and her great grandchildren – Presley, Aubree, Weston, and Ryleigh. She encouraged all the kids to be dreamers, too, to use their imaginations, and to be whatever they wanted in life, lessons that will soon be passed down to her newest grandson when he is born. While she had a 20+ year career at Dun & Bradstreet as a contact specialist, Charlotte was meant to be Mom and Grandma, and she excelled at it. She taught her children how to be passionate and compassionate and to stand up for what they believed in.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her brother Conrad and parents Andy and Doris. She is survived by a family that loves her, including her faithful dog and confidante Cembi, who never left her side. A celebration of life will be held in her home on Saturday, June 1 from 2 to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do as Charlotte always asked of her children: Be good to each other and love each other. And throw some Cliff Richard on the record player.