Lydia L. Castillo
September 3, 1944 – February 27, 2025
Lydia L. Castillo, a cherished mother, grandmother, and pillar of her community, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on September 3, 1944, in Bernalillo, New Mexico, Lydia dedicated her life to her family, faith, and the many passions that brought joy to those around her.
A devoted homemaker, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Lydia created a warm and loving home for her family. Her kitchen was always a place of comfort, filled with the irresistible aromas of her famous empanadas and homemade tortillas—recipes that became treasured family traditions.
Lydia had a remarkable ear for music and could effortlessly play almost any song she heard. Her deep love for music was a gift she shared generously, serving faithfully in her church's music ministry. Over the years, she played the piano with unwavering dedication, enriching worship services several times a week and bringing joy to those who worshiped alongside her.
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Beyond her musical and culinary talents, Lydia was an exceptional seamstress, skillfully crafting custom dresses and suits for loved ones. She also found solace in gardening, tending to her plants with care, and took great joy in baking, filling her home with warmth and sweetness. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered.
Lydia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Nicolas L. Castillo Jr., with whom she shared 49 beautiful years of marriage. She is also reunited in rest with her second son, Nicolas Castillo III; her parents, Cirilo and Leonor Leyba; and her siblings, Soila Ochoa, Manuel R. Leyba, Zaqueo R. Leyba, and Dorcas Cordova.
She is survived by her four beloved children and their spouses: Mark Anthony Castillo and wife (Sandra), Maria Martina Sublasky, Israel Cirilo Castillo and wife (Anna Liza), and Joshua Daniel Castillo. She was the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren including Mark Anthony Jr. and wife (Amanda), Jessica, Josiah and wife (Victoria), Corina, Jennifer and husband (James), Nicolas, Zeta and Savion. She adored her five great grandchildren: Ava, Mark Anthony III, Adriel, Gideon and James Jr. She also leaves behind her older brother, Alex R. Leyba, and her younger sister, Ruth L. Vigil, as well as numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, along with a vast circle of friends and extended family who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.
A funeral service will be held at Terrazas Funeral Chapel to honor Lydia's life and legacy.
Pallbearers honoring Lydia will be Mark Anthony Castillo Jr., Josiah Andrew Sublasky, Nicolas Adriel Castillo, David Leyba, James Schwede, and Joe Adam Gallegos. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Richard Bauch, Savion Castillo, Mark Anthony Castillo III, Gideon Luis Castillo, Adriel Zane Carillo, and James Christian Schwede.
Visitations will be held at 6:30PM – 7:00PM on Friday, March 7, 2025 with an evening memorial service commencing at 7:00PM, followed by a funeral service at 10:00AM on Saturday, March 8, 2025 both officiated by Pastor Mark Castillo. Following the service, she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband at Memorial Lane Cemetery in Silver City, NM at 11:30AM.
Lydia's love, laughter, and devotion to faith and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
