Emma E. Castro
August 9, 1928 - March 24, 2021
Tita, as she was known by her 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren was born in Santa Ana, El Salvador to her parents Emma De Leon Glower and Rafael Glower. Along with her mother and sister, Emma arrived in this country in 1944 settling in San Francisco where she met the love of her life Mario R. Castro. (deceased)
In 1974 Mario and Emma moved to Hillsborough, where their house became a magnet for family and extended family get togethers. Traditions were an integral guide in everything she did throughout her life, passing them down to each generation. Holidays were particularly important to our mom which were always celebrated in grand style. A 4th.July celebration would mean barbecue, swimming and mariachis. Easter Mass would follow with a traditional easter egg hunt and scramble in the backyard, trying to avoid the confetti in the cascarones. Christmas would highlight her latest Christmas decorations, each handmade by our mom. She would host an annual Christmas cookie party and Christmas luncheon with her friends. The living room would be filled with toys and presents that could rivaled Talbots Toyland. But the most anticipated holiday was Halloween. Our mom had a tradition of costuming for the occasion with each year more extravagant than the last. A clown one year, a witch the next and maybe most surprising, Madonna. All to place smiles on the families faces. We would all wait in anticipation to see what each year would bring.
Our mom was the quintessential matriarch. She placed her family above all else. She welcomed our friends as her extended family, providing her signature Salvadoren pastelles as a token of her affection. She was a woman of many talents who enjoyed fashion, travel and crafts. An elegant woman who could surprise you with an off color joke... She leaves a lasting legacy to all who knew her and loved her.
Emma is predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Mario R. Castro.
Daughters: Linda Castro and Sandi Castro
She is survived by her daughters: Nancy Chaudoir (Alex) and Renee Ortiz (Jesse) of Hillsborough. Her sister Fressia Del Carpio (Luis Miguel).
Grandchildren: Christopher Chaudoir (Michelle); Danielle Raffo (Tim); Michelle Klostermen (Eric); Jennifer Davis, Paul Davis (Yvonne) and Ryan Davis; Dr. Monica Ortiz (Christine); Jessica De Witt (Steve) and Alex Oritz.
We would also like to thank the caregivers that loved and helped our mom over these few years.

A celebration of life will be held to gather and reminisce as soon as it is safe to do so.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 31 to Apr. 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Emma Castro

Sponsored by CLOSED-Crosby-N. Gray & Co. Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

8 Entries

Elizabeth Vargas ( Valle)

July 19, 2025

Me and my sister, Sandra , absolutely adored Emita and her husband who were family to us. Emita never forgot us on birthdays and holidays. She was a remarkable lady of class and beauty! She was our godmother. She is seated on the left with my sister is and on the right me and godmother Clemen Goodman. This photo of our baptism 1970 in San Francisco at our grandparents home Jose and Laura Valle on Corona Ct SF. Also home to my dear mother Maria Valle Neff. Deepest sympathy to the Castro Family. Our hearts are always with you. May Emita spirit rest with angels on el cielo.

Maytte del Socorro Colorado, MPH

April 14, 2021

Tia Emma attended my baby shower and baptism. I still have her hand written notes. Every time we saw each other she made a special effort to spend time with me. For my high school graduation she gave me a necklace and they way she gave it to me it was as if it had been pure gold. She and your dad had a lot of faith in me. I used to think they must have been soothsayers. I observed how hard she worked to bring success to the family for so many years. Gracious Tia Emma, may you rest in peace and harmony with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Morena Gonzalez Castro Hauser

April 13, 2021

Beauty, kindness, and brains in one. Tia Emma's personality and elegance were attributes that complemented uncle Mario's bright and gifted mind. My condolences to cousins, nephews, and aunts who will miss her immensely. May the Lord shine His face over her noble soul that now rests in peace with her beloved husband and daughters.

Maria del Carmen Sotelo Castro

April 12, 2021

Doña Emmita bonita de porte inglés! Cuantos momentos compartidos, risas, cantando, canciones de la niñez, aventuras de su adolescencia, la historia de su matrimonio, su libro, los brindis usted con una Margarita yo con una Coca Cola disfrutando los mariachis , escuchando Amor Eterno” y un sin fin de memorias, anécdotas que compartimos .
Gracias por todos los consejos , por darme la oportunidad de trabajar para usted. Dios quiso tenerla con él para firmar parte de sus ángeles
Vivirá en mi corazón y mente , descanse en Paz

Deborah del Carpio

April 10, 2021

She was a very special aunt and I am glad she got to live a full and happy life and she will be sorely missed. I love you Tia

Kris Peradotto

April 5, 2021

To Castro and del Carpio Families
May God bless you and your families in this time of sorrow.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all...
Kris Peradotto

Karen Poret ( Katenbrink) ( St. Stephen)

April 4, 2021

Perhaps it is fitting to learn of Mrs. Castro's passing on Easter Sunday! Most assuredly she is taking the helm at the Easter Parade!
Grateful Sandi is reunited with her Mom again..

March 31, 2021

I offer you my thoughts, prayers and well-wishes during this this time in your life. Thessalonians 4:14For if we have faith that Jesus died and rose again, so too God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in death through Jesus.

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