Juliana Castillo Landeros' Obituary
Juliana Castillo Landeros, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born on May 23, 1938, in Weslaco, Texas, to Rebecca Salinas and Encarnacion Castillo, Juliana’s life was shaped early by loss. Her mother passed away when Juliana was just five years old, and at the age of twelve, she also lost her father. She was lovingly raised by her sisters and her uncle and aunt, Manuel and Antonia Salinas, whom she fondly called Papa Manuel and Mama Antonia. Their guidance and love gave Juliana the strength and resilience that would mark her entire life.
As a teenager, Juliana lived with her sister in Wisconsin, where she worked alongside her cousin at a mink farm. At 18, she returned to the Rio Grande Valley, where destiny brought her back to Gregorio Landeros, the man who had long admired her beautiful green eyes. Their families had been close friends, and his mother often said, “Juliana will be my daughter-in-law one day.” On January 5, 1957, that dream became reality, and Juliana and Gregorio began their journey together. They shared 67 years of marriage and raised seven children—four daughters and three sons—building a life full of love, hard work, and faith.
Juliana worked tirelessly to help provide for her family. From picking cotton and citrus in the Rio Grande Valley fields to working in produce warehouses across Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, she labored side by side with her husband and children as migrant workers. Later, she held jobs at Gulf Distributing Company in Weslaco and in other packing sheds. Through it all, Juliana never complained—she taught her children the values of sacrifice, resilience, and determination. With her strong work ethic, she stretched every paycheck, turned every house into a home, and made sure her children felt both cared for and inspired to succeed.
In her later years, Juliana found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved crocheting, tending to her flourishing garden, and cooking for her family—her tamales became legendary and were always a reason to gather. She lit up whenever she was invited to play bingo or visit the casino; her laughter, sparkle, and joy in those moments were contagious.
Juliana loved to travel with her husband, and many of their journeys were devoted to visiting the people who meant the most to her. Whether in Houston, Arizona, Laredo, Utah, or Wisconsin, she found joy in relaxing with her children and grandchildren, laughing with her siblings, and cherishing time with extended family. Each visit was an opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and create lasting memories. One of her most treasured adventures was traveling with her daughter Elda to marvel at the Grand Canyon and even venturing as far as Canada. For Juliana, every trip was far more than a destination—it was a gift of togetherness, a chance to strengthen bonds, and a source of memories her family will hold forever.
Juliana was one of seven children and held a deep love for her siblings: Gregoria, Jose, who was raised in Mexico, Jose, Nicolasa (fondly called Nika), Concepcion (lovingly known as Chonita), and Dora. No matter the miles between them, her heart was always tied to her family.
Her legacy is carried on through her children, Olga Edelstein (Stephen), Elva Gutierrez (Victor+), Elda Landeros, Gregorio Landeros Jr. (Esmeralda), Julia Landeros, Carlos Landeros (Diana), and Jose Castillo Landeros (Penny); 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and countless friends and extended family whose lives were touched by her warmth and generosity.
She is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband of 67 years, Gregorio; her granddaughter Rebecca Rodriguez; her great-granddaughter Isabella Lewis; her son-in-law Victor Gutierrez; her parents; and all of her brothers and sisters. Together, they welcome her into the eternal arms of Jesus Christ.
Services
Visitation will be held Friday, August 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m., at McCaleb Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, August 23, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park, where Juliana will be laid to rest beside her husband.
Juliana’s life was a beautiful testament to love, family, and faith. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will continue to bloom in the lives of all who were blessed to know her.
What’s your fondest memory of Juliana?
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