Maria Castanon

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Castanon, better known to her family as “Nina Maria” or “Tia Maria.” She also had many friends who referred to her as, “Marquita.”

Maria was born in Calera, Zacatecas, Mexico and was the 11th child of 18 siblings. Though many of her younger years were lived in Mexico, she decided to spend her later years in life permanently in Ventura County where she lived in Somis and then finally in Camarillo with her younger sister, Lupe Landeros and family.

The joy of Nina Maria’s life was spending time serving our Lord by singing in various choir groups when she lived in Mexico and, more currently, in Camarillo at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. Because of her love for singing, she was a member of the Guadalupanas and La Adoracion Nocturna for many years.

Nina Maria never learned how to drive so she would walk everywhere she needed to go in Camarillo, taking many trips to K-Mart, Vons, John’s Market and church. Nothing would stop her from getting where she wanted to go. She also enjoyed cooking and would frequently spoil her nieces and nephews with delicious Mexican dishes.

Though she has ended her 97-year journey here with us, we can all be at peace knowing she is now resting in the arms of Jesus. We will cherish the many memories we have of her in our hearts, forever.

...Family in the care of Erin Arteaga, Funeral Director