Argelia Casas' Obituary
Argelia Castillo Casas, born in Weslaco, Texas, to Pedro and Demetria Castillo, was the oldest of twelve children and a lifelong member of her beloved community. She passed on leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion to family, faith, and education.
Argelia attended Saint Joan of Arc Catholic School in her youth. As a young woman, she worked at the local 5 and 10 Cent Store, where she met the man who would steal her heart and become her lifelong partner. She married Marcelino Casas Sr. in 1954, and together they built a beautiful life and raised eight children: Marcelino Casas Jr. (preceded in death), Marcia Casas, Blanca Odilia Palomares (Juan), Joel Casas, Melissa Casas, Robert Casas (Rina), Melva Casas (preceded in death) and Daniel Salvador Moreno (Terry).
A dedicated mother, Argelia devoted herself to raising her children as a stay-at-home mom. Later, she shared her talents in the workforce, beginning her mornings at 3:00 a.m. at Shipley’s Donuts, where she baked fresh donuts and pastries. She also worked at Martha’s Kitchen as head baker, where her passion and skill truly shined. She became well known for her massive and delicious cinnamon rolls, which were even featured in Texas Monthly Magazine.
Through the encouragement of her husband’s compadre, Antonio “Tony” Rico, Argelia pursued further opportunities by enrolling in GED classes alongside her daughter Blanca. Together, they proudly earned their GEDs—an accomplishment that opened the door for her to serve the Weslaco Independent School District as a Community Aide.
In this role, Argelia made a lasting impact on countless students and families. She worked tirelessly to support students at risk of dropping out, providing resources such as clothing, food, and school supplies. She built meaningful relationships between students, parents, and schools, helping bridge educational gaps in underserved communities. Argelia often traveled to colonias in Weslaco, Progreso, and surrounding areas, encouraging families to prioritize education. Many times, she went above and beyond—offering transportation or purchasing necessities with her own money—demonstrating her unwavering compassion and generosity.
A woman of deep faith, Argelia was a devoted Catholic and a lifelong parishioner of Saint Joan of Arc Church, where she rarely missed Mass. She was an active member of the Women’s Auxiliary and the Altar Society, dedicating her time to cleaning, organizing, fundraising, and helping plan the church’s annual Kermes.
Argelia and her husband Marcelino shared a love for travel and adventure, often journeying with their compadres to places such as Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, and Lake Tahoe. They enjoyed dancing together at weddings, quinceañeras, anniversaries, and celebrations of all kinds. She also loved playing BINGO, frequently spending time at the Catholic War Veterans Hall with friends. Shopping was another favorite pastime, and she delighted in finding great deals at local stores.
Argelia’s legacy lives on through her loving family: her children, 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, faith, and the countless lives she touched through her generosity and service.
She is survived by her 10 brothers and sisters and their spouses Trinidad Castillo (Rosie), Onesimo Castillo (Arcelia), Aaron Castillo (Maria Elena), Alfredo Castillo (Betty), Violeta Flores (Rene), Aide Castillo (Albert), Manuel Castillo (Lisa), Ludin Navarro (Fred+), Rene Castillo (Mary) and Thelma Ancisco.
Argelia is preceded in death by her husband Marcelino Casas Sr., her brother Ernesto Pedro Castillo, and grandson Micheal Justin Gonzales.
Pallbearers for Argelia Casas will be Manuel Castillo, Robert Casas, Marcelino Casas III, John Andrew Palomares, Robert Tyler Casas, Nathaniel Moreno.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Jay Dee Vasquez Jr., Aaron Miles Olvera, Isaiah Ray Perez, David Jeremy Fuentes, Jonas Escamilla, Sergio Alberto Gomez Jr, Samuel Santiago Gomez, Daniel Moreno, Bradley McCaleb, Riley McCaleb, and Patrick McCaleb.
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