CARMEN CASTILLO

Carmen's Heavenly Father called her home on the first day of Spring, Saturday, March 20, 2021.  We rejoice with her as she is welcomed into the presence of her beloved Lord and Savior.  Carmen has resided at Matthews Senior Living in Neenah for the past several years.

Carmen was born on July 18, 1947 in Neenah, daughter of the late Teofilo Castillo and Emeteria “Theresa” Padilla Castillo.  She attended Neenah High School and graduated in 1966.  After High School she went to work for Great Northern Container and then for Kimberly-Clark.  Carmen then worked as a Nanny for a while, then for Harbour House, and then as a paraprofessional for Neenah Schools, helping children with special needs.

Carmen's first love was Jesus Christ and from that flowed her love for her family, friends and neighbors.  She had a servant's heart and she especially enjoyed serving in her church, Calvary Chapel of Appleton.  Carmen felt so blessed with her Habitat for Humanity home and she was dedicated to their mission of “Paying It Forward”, by continuing to volunteer with them.  Carmen took great pride in her role as a Site Support person.  In 2014 she received Habitat's Homeowner of the Year Award for her commitment to partnership.

Carmen was a feisty person who enjoyed any gathering, whether it be a holiday, someone's birthday, a Packer party – any reason to spend time with people she loved.  Some of the things she enjoyed doing were dancing, especially ballroom dancing at the Crystal Ballroom, going to rummage sales and thrift stores, gardening, getting together for coffee, Packer parties and camping.

Carmen was a loving mother, and she will be missed by her two sons: Andrew and Peter; two sisters: Nicolasa (Raymond) Heller, Frances Elliott; a brother, Angelo (Ann) Castillo; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and many cousins.  Carmen also leaves behind her two beloved cats, Moses and Amazing Grace.

Carmen was preceded in death by a brother, Marcello “Charlie” Castillo who passed away on December 24, 2019.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Calvary Chapel, 2136 E. Newberry Street, Appleton. A time of visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 am until the hour of the service.  In lieu of memorials, please perform a small random act of kindness or make a modest donation to your local Humane Society or any organization of your choice, whose mission is to aid people in need.

The family would like to thank Matthews Senior Living for Carmen's care.  We also want to thank Compassus Hospice for their excellent care of Carmen during her last days, with a special thank you to Matthew Cornelius, for his compassionate and spiritual care of both Carmen and her family.