Tributes

On a quiet Mother’s Day morning, May 11th, 2025, our beloved Norma Casillas—devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and the heart of our family—was called home to be with our Lord. Born in San Antonio, Texas, on September 21st, 1954, to Johnny M. Garcia and Felicitas Tijerina Garcia, Norma was the third of four siblings and a proud lifelong San Antonian. From a young age, she carried a quiet strength, radiant kindness and compassion that would become the foundation of the life she built. Norma’s unwavering love for her family was the guiding force of her life. She was a devoted wife to her soulmate, Ernest Casillas, with whom she shared 43 years of love, laughter, and partnership. Together, they raised six children—a legacy of strength, empathy, forgiveness and unity. A lifelong learner and determined spirit, Norma earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of the Incarnate Word at the age of 43—graduating on Mother’s Day in 1998. She achieved this milestone while raising her children, a testament to her perseverance and boundless dedication. Professionally, Norma was a founding member and Vice President of Human Resources at MarketVision, a San Antonio-based creative marketing agency where she served for over 18 years. Her intelligence, creativity, warm-heartedness and integrity left an indelible mark on colleagues and clients alike. More than anything, Norma cherished time with her family. Whether at backyard bar-b-ques, countless birthday parties or along the shores of Port Aransas or Lake LBJ, she found joy in creating lasting memories with those she loved most. Her endless hugs, warm laughter, wisdom, and nurturing presence lit up every room and touched every heart She is preceded in death by her beloved parents. She is survived by her husband, Ernest Casillas; her six children: Syria Castillo, John Castillo, Marisa Castillo, Ernest J. Casillas, Monica Gonzalez (Gonzalo), and Adria Casillas; her grandchildren: Daniel, James, and Anthony Martinez, Adriann, Matthew Castillo, Feliciya Marcos, Zoey Perea, Jason Casillas, Gavriel, Ava, and Anastasia Gonzalez, Alex Puente, and Alivia Cantu; and her great-grandchildren: Faith, Jason, Daniel III, and Joel Martinez, and Ezra Castillo. Her devoted siblings also survive her: Roland Garcia, Eddie Garcia, Yvonne "Bonnie" Garcia and her partner Lisa Wong. Her love, strength, and legacy will continue to echo in the lives of all who knew her. She touched hearts deeply and will be missed beyond measure. A memorial service to celebrate Norma’s life will be held Sunday, May 25th at 3:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels, 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive, San Antonio.

Tributes

Norma Casillas

September 21, 1954 - May 11, 2025