Maximina "Nina" Castrillo

CASTRILLO, Maximina "Nina" (NEE GRIARTE), - 94, of Cape May, and formerly of the Philippines, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home with her family by her side on October 26, 2022. Nina lived at 716 Madison Avenue, Cape May, NJ for over 30 years. Prior to this residency, she spent most of her life in Manila, a city within the Philippines where she grew up and raised her three children before coming to the United States. Nina settled into her home in Cape May in 1992 with both a purpose and a passion. Elegantly nested across from the duck pond, beneath the overarching water tower was a beautiful zinnia garden. She used her skills to tend the garden and sell flowers. Most notably, she was recognized by the community and frequent visitors, as the "Flower Lady" of Cape May, for her beautiful flower arrangements. She maintained countless relationships over the years, many who traveled far distances to see her. While some may have perceived her work as a personal passion, her motivation was truly driven by purpose - which was to support and provide for her daughter Angie, and to care for her grandchildren. Nina gave her life to her family and the people around her. Every day she was doing something to help her family and her neighbors. Nina had a giving spirit, always providing for others before herself. She not only looked after her own kids, she looked after her neighbors and their kids. If she was not in the garden, she was cooking and cleaning for those around her. Nina was always warm and welcoming, inviting guests to come inside her home. Even in her 90s, she was continuously working and overseeing the garden, interacting with her customers and friends who would stop by. While many will remember her as the small flower lady of Cape May, her presence was bigger than life. She influenced the people closest to her and her actions spoke louder than words. Nina is predeceased by her husband, Simplicio Castrillo; her son, Arthur Castrillo; as well as four of her siblings. "Nay" is dearly missed and forever loved by her family which includes her daughter, Angie Hammer; son, Angel "Gil" Castrillo; brother, Sebastian Griarte; as well as her adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nina's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday (Nov. 3rd) at 1:30pm in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 525 Washington St., Cape May where there will be a viewing from 12:30pm until 1:20pm. Mass will be livestreamed. The livestream will be accessible at 1:20pm via Nina's webpage at spilkerfuneralhome.com Interment will be private and at a later date. (Spilker Funeral Home, Cape May) info and condolences: spilkerfuneralhome.com