Maria Concepción "Sion" Castro

Maria Concepción Fernandez Castro, fondly known as "Sion," peacefully departed this earthly life on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Obici Hospital in Suffolk, Virginia, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Mercedes Fernandez, and Belen Collazo; her devoted husband, Angelo Castro; her children, Howard Thomas Jr., Mary Thomas, and Deborah Thomas-Gordon; and granddaughter, Tammy Marie Thomas.

Maria was born on April 21, 1934, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and she was the eldest of four daughters. In 1948, the family moved the girls to New Jersey, where Sion continued her education in the Asbury Park School System. As an adult, she was employed by and later retired from Roxanne's Swimwear in Neptune, New Jersey.

Maria was first married to the late Howard Thomas Sr., and from that union came five beautiful children: Howard "Junie," Mary "Titi," Eugene "Feto," Deborah "Debbie," and Caroline "Punky" Thomas. In 1979, Maria married Angelo Castro, and in 1995 they returned to her beloved Puerto Rico. After 41 wonderful years of marriage, Angelo took his final rest in May 2020.

During the pandemic, her devoted son Eugene courageously traveled to Puerto Rico-against all odds and health warnings-to bring his mother safely back to Virginia. For the next five years, she was lovingly cared for by Eugene and his devoted wife of 53 years, Wanda. Together with their children, Talisha and Duane ensured Sion's every need and comfort were met with love. Caring for Maria was an honor, never a chore.

Sion enjoyed visiting her sisters, daughter, family, and friends-from New Jersey to the Carolinas-and was thoroughly spoiled by her son. She loved her bi-monthly beauty and nail salon visits, and when she came to town, pampering sessions provided by her granddaughter-in-law, Alesha. The Thomas household showered her with care, laughter, devotion, and mainly love.

During these years, she formed an especially close bond with her great-granddaughter, Sanaa Harris. Their time together brought Sion immense joy-so much so that when Sanaa left after each visit, Sion never said goodbye, but instead, "Stay sweet and beautiful."

Sion loved tasty food, family gatherings, and visiting the best restaurants in town. She was an avid fan of classic westerns-especially Gunsmoke -and could have you laughing with her opinions about Miss Kitty. Like her son Feto, she loved animals and often watched deer from the gazebo or her bedroom window. Family pets-Tuck, Fiona, and Penny-adored her as much as she adored them.

Most of all, Sion's greatest joy came from time spent with family. Visits and calls from her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren filled her heart with happiness, especially when her eldest grandson Glenn Jr., his sister Ashley, and cousin Jessie, and others brought spouses, the great-grands, and others to see her.

Maria Concepción Fernandez Castro was a beautiful, loving, strong, quick-witted, and fiercely protective woman. She never hesitated to stand up for her family, and her strong will was both her strength and her legacy. There was truly only one "Sion."

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Eugene (Wanda) Thomas of Suffolk, VA, and Caroline Thomas-Shannon of Neptune, NJ; her sisters Maria "Cookie" Collazo Rosario and Petra "Peachie" Taylor, both of Neptune, NJ, and Rose Marie "Rosie" Irons-Johnson of Romulus, MI; her grandchildren Talisha (Marc) Thomas, Glenn (Victoria) Gordon Jr., Howard Spencer Thomas, Jessica Shannon, Duane (Alesha) Thomas, Thomas Shannon, Ashley (Danny) Gordon-Hernandez, Jessie (Quilvio) Shannon; a special cousin Antonio (Gabby) "Congo" Davila of Fayetteville, NC; sister-in-law Rafaela Figueroa DePagan of Puerto Rico and 53 yr share title of "Grandma" with in law, Lizzie Pearl Moseley, of Asbury Park, NJ.

She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and many dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.