Antonia Avila

Antonia Castro Avila passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 29, 2014. She was born in Modesto, California on March 3, 1923.

She was the daughter of Joseph Pablo Castro and Felipa Gomez Castro. She lived in the Banta, California area and went to Banta Elementary School until the 4th grade. At the age of 12, she became the matriarch for her brothers and sisters when their mother passed away. She worked very hard on their ranch homes but would enjoy singing and playing the guitar and going to dances with her siblings. She married Tommy Avila on September 8, 1946. They lived in Tracy, California until 1958 when Tommy transferred to Watsonville, California with the Southern Pacific Railroad. They were married 65 years. Tommy passed away in 2012 as did her youngest child Suzanne Avila.

She is survived by her sister Beatrice Garcia (Mike), brothers David Castro (Virginia, and Randy Castro (Dora). The following sister and brothers preceded her in death: Carmen Jurado (Frank), Louis Castro, Manuel Castro,John Castro, Ray Castro, Phillip Castro, Felix Castro (Jessie). Antonia was the mother to Andrea Dean (Wayne), Rosemary Avila, Evelyn Borrego (Jim), Danny Avila, Maryanne Jones(Brian), Thomas Avila, II (Virginia). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ben Dean, Marguerite Haugen (David), Elizabeth Gutierrez(Oscar), Craig D. Silapan, Bernadette Houser (Jerry), Brian Borrego, Gregory Borrego(Esme), Jennifer Borrego, Anisa Abed (Sergio Sanchez), Jenna Abed, Audrea Avila, and Thomas Avila, III. She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren. "Toni" enjoyed family gatherings, reading, gardening, watching her beloved hummingbirds from the kitchen window, traveling, dancing, crocheting and playing the guitar. She was a strong role model for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She instilled in all of us the values of hard work, an education and faith in God.
"We Love You More Mom"

Visitation services will be held on Monday, July 7, 2014 from 5:00-9:00 PM with a recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 PM at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, 609 Main Street, Watsonville. Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Valley Catholic Church with burial to follow at Pajaro Valley Memorial Park, 127 Hecker Pass Road, Watsonville.