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Clelia Castro Barrera, 90, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025. Born in Dolores, Texas, on August 20, 1935, Clelia lost both of her parents at the early age of five. She was lovingly raised by her uncle, Natividad Castro, who cared for her as his own daughter. Clelia graduated from Laredo Martin High School in 1953 and went on to attend St. Mary’s Nursing School in Galveston, Texas, where she earned her nursing certificate. Later, while raising five of her six children, she completed additional coursework at Incarnate Word College to earn her Registered Nurse accreditation. Clelia dedicated more than 40 years to nursing, serving patients with compassion and leadership. She worked at Santa Rosa Hospital for 22 years, becoming a nursing supervisor in the geriatric ward. She later joined the private practice of Dr. Richard Hernandez for eight years, and ultimately served as Director of Nursing at Barlite Nursing Home before her retirement. Beyond her career, Clelia devoted her life to her family. She supported her husband, Ariel, in all his endeavors, and together they created countless family memories through camping trips, lake outings, and backyard gatherings. Though she never drove a car or a boat—or learned to ski—she was always the supportive co-pilot, encouraging her children as they learned. She and Ariel enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas and New Mexico, often with friends, and Clelia had a remarkable gift for remembering every name and face she encountered. A proud and devoted grandmother, Clelia, cherished every moment with her grandchildren. In retirement, she and Ariel lovingly cared for several of them and rarely missed a school game, performance or graduation. She was especially proud of the family’s tradition of Sunday breakfasts, lovingly prepared by Ariel, where she greeted her children and grandchildren with warmth and joy. Her love for her family was boundless and will live on through them. Clelia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ariel H. Barrera; parents, Isabel and Angela Castro; adoptive father, Natividad Castro; sisters Minerva Lopez, Ofelia Gonzalez, and Dolores Morales; and brothers Isabel and Domingo Castro. She is survived by her children: Rossana Hernandez (Edward), Rosemary Salmon (Ron), Roxana Alvarado (Stanley), Rosetta Martinez (Jaime), Ariel Aaron Barrera (Serena), and Sixto Barrera. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Michelle, Michael, Kelly (Felipe), Kara (David), Nicholas (Ashley), Andrew, Ariel Nathanial (Rose Niela), Darian, Sophia, and Hayden; her great-granddaughters, Brandy and Dani; numerous nieces and nephews. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Clelia’s caregivers Elise, Jessie, and Diane for their devoted care, as well as to Vitas Hospice Healthcare for the compassionate support they provided during her final days. Clelia’s life was a testament to faith, love, and resilience. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

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Clelia C. Barrera

August 20, 1935 - August 22, 2025