Mildred Castro

Mildred “Midge” Castro, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026 at her home in Garden Grove, CA, surrounded by her family. She was 87 years old.

Born near New Jersey on July 18, 1938, Midge lived a life defined by kindness, intelligence, and a deep, unwavering love for others. From an early age, her greatest dream was to be a mother—a role she fulfilled with extraordinary grace, selflessness, and devotion. To her children, she was the most beautiful and caring mother imaginable: endlessly patient, compassionate, funny, and giving in every sense of the word.

Midge shared 55 years of marriage with the love of her life, Robert Castro, who preceded her in death by just nine months. Their bond was one of true partnership, marked by both beautiful and challenging times, with a love that grew deeper and more enduring—especially in their later years. It brings comfort to her family to imagine them reunited, dancing together once again to the music of Johnny Mathis.

A woman of remarkable intellect and dedication, Midge built a meaningful career as a special education teacher in both New Jersey and Southern California. She specialized in working with younger elementary school children, helping those facing speech, learning, and behavioral challenges. Her patience was boundless, and her passion for teaching was evident in everything she did. She found joy in helping others discover new words, reading alongside her students, and sparking a lifelong love of learning. An avid reader herself, she carried that passion throughout her life.

Midge had a special affinity for all living creatures, loving animals and even the smallest insects with gentle tenderness. Her heart was especially devoted to her beloved dogs—most recently Ginger, as well as Dixie, Sandy, Bonnie, and Noel—who brought her constant companionship and joy.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Jennifer Yahner, Sheri (Ben) Atwater, and Brian (Joy) Castro. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to five grandsons—Patrick, Trevor, Jared, Jeremy, and Jacob—each of whom brought immense happiness to her life.

Midge also leaves behind cherished nieces and nephew Andrea, Midge, and John Andrew, as well as many dear friends and extended family members with whom she maintained close, lifelong relationships. She will be remembered for her warmth, her generosity, and her ability to form deep and lasting connections with everyone she met.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Hank and Flora Goll, her sister Florence (Jim) Middleton, and her husband Robert.

Midge’s life was one of gentle beauty—filled with family, friendships, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the world around her. She brought warmth and joy to everyone she met and found just as much happiness in painting as she did in reading, creating watercolor landscapes that reflected her love of nature. She delighted in simple pleasures, like reading the Sunday paper, singing to the music of the 1950s, and watching Jeopardy! each evening alongside Robert and Ginger. Above all, she will be remembered as a beautiful soul whose love touched countless lives.

She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her family takes comfort in the thought of her at peace, reunited with Robert and family who went before her, surrounded by music, love, and the beauty she cherished so dearly.