Gail Castro

Gail Agnes Castro, a woman of resilience, compassion and entrepreneurial spirit passed away peacefully, leaving anyone who knew her with a smile on their face and warmth in their heart.

In her early years, Gail proved herself a fighter, overcoming the challenges of both polio and rheumatic fever. Her tenacity fueled a passion for swimming and a dream of becoming a lifeguard. The deep-seated desire to help others began at a young age as she dedicated her time to volunteering for the "March of Dimes" and other charitable endeavors she assisted throughout her life.

As a young mother, Gail grew into the role with compassion and devotion, she had a way with little ones. She navigated beautiful chaos of raising 6 children, including one particularly precocious son who flooded the bathtub to sail his boats and once attempted a "bonfire" in the hall closet. Thank God that failed. Through it all, Gail guided her children with patience, understanding and a nurturing heart that extended to any child (including kids in the neighborhood) who needed her.

Gail was a gifted creator with a business mind. She spent countless hours sewing, knitting, and crocheting, famously crafting Barbie clothes to sell and designing unique crochet jewelry. Her professional journey was equally impressive, she began a career in publishing at a factory binding "American girl" magazines and worked her way into the front office, where her intelligence and work ethic made her invaluable.

Beyond her accomplishments, Gail was a cornerstone of her community. On Melvin Street, she was a fixture of the morning "coffee klatches," sharing laughter and advice with dear friends.

Gail also created a home of warmth. She was a mentor who prioritized self-worth and authenticity. She had a legacy of "roots and wings". She would push her children out of the nest to spread their wings but always provided a safe place for them to fall when life got to be too much.

Gail is survived by her children and grandchildren: Randy's son – Nicholas Castro, Suzette Ledford (Chris) Danielle, Matthew, David Castro (Sara) Jessica, Emilio; Jennifer Tarnacki, Dylan and Olivia; and Kathleen Cleaver (Jerome) Chloe. She is also survived by her great grandchildren Silas Conway, Kaylee Castro, her sisters, Joanie Cupchack and Robin Bledsoe (Kerry) and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is joyfully reunited in death with Randy Castro, Anthony Castro and Brandon Castro and other family members who have gone before her.

A celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

I needed the quiet

I needed the quiet so he drew me aside, into the shadows where we could confide,

Away from the bustle where all the day long, I hurried and worried when active and strong.

I needed the quiet tho at first I rebelled, but gently, so gently my cross he upheld,

And whispered so sweetly of spiritual things, tho weakened in body, my spirit took wings.

To heights never heard of when active and bright, He loved me so greatly he drew me away.

I needed the quiet, no prison is my bed, but a beautiful valley of blessings instead.

A place to grow richer in Jesus to hide, I needed the quiet so he drew me aside.

Alice H. Mortenson

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.

She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and the sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!"

Gone Where?

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side. She is just as able to bear the load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!"

There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take

up the the glad shout: "Here she comes!"

And that is dying.

Henry Van Dyke