Marilou Gonzalez

MARILOU CASTILLO GONZALEZ

Marilou Castillo Gonzalez, 76, returned to her heavenly father on November 23, 2018 in San Antonio. Her faith and family supported her throughout her battle with cancer and her families love and support is a testament to her devotion and love of God.

Marilou was blessed and survived by her husband of 56 years, Armin J. Gonzalez and daughters Anna Marie (Jesus†) Ramirez, Alma Delia (Alex) Soto, Patricia (Paul) Kittle, Mary Lou (Nicholas) Terille, her six siblings: Marta Velazquez, Melivia Botana, Jose Castillo, Maria Minerva Chavez, Manuel Castillo, Mario Castillo and her 16 grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Maria Enriquez de Allen, step-father Harold Allen, eldest sister Minerva Castillo and son-in-law Jesus F. Ramirez.

Born in Mexico, Marilou immigrated to the United States in the 50’s. Despite her humble beginnings and education, she worked hard and put herself through cosmetology school, opening her own salon in Chicago in the 60’s, Mary Lou’s Beauty Salon . Later moving her young family to Laredo, Marilou became a long-time resident, dedicated business woman, and retired hairstylist with over 50 years in the industry. Marilou was owner of The Hair Loom , an established, preeminent salon in the community. A lover of music and prose, she was featured as one of Chicago’s first Mexican women published poets in 2015 with “ Recuerdos Y Sentimiento” (1978), by Chicago online cultural magazine El Beisman and Latin Studies expert and professor, Marc Zimmerman. A singer songwriter, Marilou’s body of musical works led her to compete several of her compositions in Festival OTI de la Canción in the 80’s, winning her a spot among the 10 finalists, from 136 competitors. A lover of gardening, active church volunteer and generous member of the community, she often gave of her time and talents to seniors, immigrants, the homeless, and always opened her door to all. She was a devout prayer warrior and Cursillista, and will be deeply missed.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to all family, friends, neighbors, including the Compassus Houston & San Antonio teams, all her Dr’s, nurses and staff, for their loving care and attentive treatment throughout her battle.

The family will receive condolences the evening of Friday the 30th of November 2018 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapel; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.

Funeral procession will depart the chapel at 10:40 a.m. on Saturday the 1st of December 2018 to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of her soul, beginning at 11 a.m. officiated by longtime family friend, Father John Francis Bentley, BBD.

Rite of Committal and Interment will continue to the family plot at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Rafael Ramirez, Gabriel Ramirez, Miguel Ramirez, Uriel Ramirez, Roman Soto, Alex Soto, Nick Terille, Paul Kittle and serving as an Honorary Pallbearer will be her beloved husband, Armin Gonzalez.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral & Cremation Services, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, TX 78040, 956.722.8850