Maria Elena Castillo, 68, of Cuero passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2024.  She was born February 2, 1956 in Victoria to Hilario and Francisca T. Baladez.  She married Martin Alvarez Castillo on April 30, 1985 in Houston.  She worked as a special education paraprofessional and retired after working over twenty years for Galena Park ISD.  Her hobbies included zumba, dancing, going to the gym, martial arts, shopping and arts and crafts.  Her favorite pastime was devoting her life to her family – especially her grandchildren and fur-babies.

She is survived by her husband of thirty-eight years, Martin Castillo; daughters, Valerie Gregory of Alexandria, VA and Vanessa Espinoza of Victoria; son, Martin Castillo of Houston; siblings, Angelita, Yolanda, Ralph and Joe Baladez, all of Angleton; grandchildren, Denicio Castillo, Diego Castillo, Gabriella Castillo, Melia Espinoza, Sophie Gregory and Joshua Castillo and great-grandchild, Sarahi Castillo.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Hilario, Manuel and Jimmy Baladez.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 29, 2024, 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Freund Funeral Home with a rosary to begin at 6:30 PM.  Funeral Services will be held Friday, March 1, 2024, 2:00 PM at Freund Funeral Home with Deacon Leo Sharron officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers include Denicio Castillo, Diego Castillo and Joshua Castillo.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi, the Ronald McDonald House in Corpus Christi or your local Catholic Church.

You may sign the guestbook or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.

Freund Funeral Home, 361.275.2343.