Magdalena Daling Sobrado Castillo's Obituary
Magdalena Daling Sobrado Castillo, a beloved mother, “gramma” and auntie whose welcoming home was the Bay Area landing spot for dozens of families migrating to the mainland from Hawaii during the 1960s, died March 31, 2020 at her home in Hayward, Calif. She was 87.
Magdalena was affectionately known as Mom, Maggie, Daling, Auntie Maggie, Gramma, Gramma-Fish and Gramma Maggie. Her infectious laugh, loving heart and zest for life endeared her to all who knew her. In her home no visitor went unfed; no friend in need of a place to stay was sent away; and you were always asked in her pidgin English, “You like Soda?”
Born on Nov. 18, 1932 in Hilo, Hawaii, she lived in Hayward for 57 years. When friends and family joined her in California, she housed them until they could get settled. She is the epitome of “The Spirit of Aloha”.
She retired 1989 from Signetics Corp. in Sunnyvale, where she worked as an engineering technician for 27 years.
But her life was centered around her family and friends and her happy home. When children danced at Hula shows, she sat front and center with a smile on her face. She had a way of making all six of her children, 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren feel like each was her favorite.
She loved the casinos, three card poker and black jack. She had a standing Saturday night poker date with family members, and always hustled up a few hands at the family’s many celebrations.
While her health began failing in recent years, she never complained about anything life handed her.
Magdalena Castillo was preceded in death by her husband, William Castillo Sr. in 2007, and by three grandchildren: Jennifer Michelle Jeske, Jessica Christine Castillo, Mitchell Castillo Jr.
Survivors include her children: William Castillo Jr (Yvette), Joseph Castillo Sr (Rose), Mitchell Castillo Sr (Belva), Darlene Elizarrey (Gary Sr), Lisa Neula (Lawrence), Laurie Gamba (Joey). Niece-daughter: Jennifer Smith
Grandchildren: Angelique Castillo (Ibrahim), Janai Williams (Sean), Regina King (Christopher), JoeyC (Vicky), Jeffrey Castillo (Sara), Victoria Esteller (DJ), Jason Castillo (Dejania), Jason Castillo (Tammy), Gary Jr Elizarrey (Naomi), Maile Elizarrey (Steven), Jessica Jeske (Vimal), Ariel Gamba (Steven), Ben Gamba
Great-grandchildren: Alex, Jaden, Brevin, Xander,Leighton,Vivienne, James, Alysia, Maleko, Devin, Kaili, Troy, Dominic, Caleb, Alexis, Keegan, Christian, Amber, Brianna, Sean, Steven, Noah, Gary III, Nathan, Jade, Hudson, Taylor, Pono, and great-great-grandchildren Thomas and Parker.
A celebration of life will be planned for a date when it’s safe to be together again to hug and kiss Hawaiian style.
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