Maria Luisa Castro

Maria Luisa Castro, lovingly known as Luisa, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, at the age of 91.

Born on January 1, 1935, in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, to Juan Palau and Teresa Sanoguet, Luisa’s life was defined by resilience, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to her family and faith. As a teenager, she was sent to work as a nanny for a family in Brooklyn, New York. She later continued her career as a jewelry maker in NYC's Diamond District, as a receptionist at the St. Pius Church rectory and as a bus attendant for the Volusia County public school system.

Luisa built a beautiful life with her husband Carlos between the Bronx, New York, and Deltona, Florida, where her home became a place of comfort, warmth, and unconditional love. She was a devoted wife, a deeply nurturing mother, and a guiding light to all who knew her. Her door was always open, and no one ever left her home without a full heart—and a full tummy. Her kindness extended beyond her immediate family, as she lovingly opened her home to foster children, caring for them as her own.

She is predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Carlos Gilberto Castro, and brothers José Palau, Juan Montalvo and Tomás Montalvo.

Luisa is survived by her beloved sisters, Alice Velez and Gloria Gonzalez; her children, Lorraine Castro, Cynthia Castro, and Gilbert Castro; her cherished grandchildren, George, Anthony, Alyssa, Brian, Brandon, and Brittany; and her eight great-grandchildren.

A woman of deep and unwavering Catholic faith, Luisa found strength in her beliefs and will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her selfless heart, and the way she made everyone feel welcome. Her love was constant, her presence was comforting, and her memory will live on in the lives she touched so deeply.

A Mass in her honor will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Ormond Beach, Florida, on April 11, 2026, at 12:00 PM.