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Ernestina (Tina) Reyes Castillo, age 92, passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on November 26, 1930, to her parents, Maria Del Refugio Guerrero and Alfredo Lozano Reyes in Kerrville, Texas. Tina had to leave school at a very young age in order to cook for her uncles with her grandmother. In spite of that, she loved to cook, and was the head cook at La Fogata for several years. When she left, four people were hired to replace her. Legend has it, and her son witnessed, her cutting up a whole chicken with a butter knife. She also catered one of her son’s weddings from her galley kitchen for 300 people. She wouldn’t hesitate to cook for her children’s friends at any hour of the day or night. Tina also worked at Finesilver, and was a caregiver for several years. Tina was loved by everyone. She was often the life of the party. She loved to dance, have family gatherings, and scare all the kiddos who ended up at her front door on Halloween night. She and a friend had a daily ritual of searching the neighborhood for strays to feed and love. Cat and dog food could always be found in her car trunk. Her children were so very precious to her. She instilled in them the importance of a good education, especially a Catholic education, and she worked very hard and sacrificed much to ensure they received that education. Her children always knew how much their mother loved them. Tina was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, Mike Couturier Castillo, brothers, Alfred Reyes, and Juventino Reyes, and grandson, Joseph Berezoski-Castillo. She is survived by daughter Diana Lee Castillo, sons Michael Patrick Castillo (Kathy) and Mark Anthony Castillo (Carol), granddaughters Dr. Maricela Castillo Schnur (David), Camilia Castillo Christoph (Chris), Christina Castillo, and Lindsey Cate Linahan (Jason), as well as great grandchildren Theodore James Schnur, Madeleine Sophie Linahan, and John David Linahan. The family would like to thank her many caregivers and staff at the Sorrento Nursing Facility, as well as Andrew Silva and Danielle Lopez at Altus Hospice. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 28, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Mission Park North. The rosary will be recited on Thursday, June 29, at 9:30 am at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 10703 Wurzbach Road, followed by the funeral mass at 10:00 am. Burial will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Defense League or a charity of your choice.

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Ernestina Castillo

November 26, 1930 - June 11, 2023