Angela Castillo Yáñez

In Loving Memory Angela Castillo Yáñez

Angela Castillo Yáñez, lovingly known to her family and friends as Mama Angel, passed away peacefully at her home in Des Plaines on September 16, 2026, at the age of 96.

Mama Angel was born on May 9, 1930, in Puebla, Mexico. Throughout her long and beautiful life, she was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. Above all, she was the heart of her family.

Mama Angel devoted her life to caring for her six children: Carmen, Rayo, Armando (Maru), Socorro, Alma and Clarita (Bob). Her love and dedication did not end there. She went on to help raise her grandchildren, loving and caring for many of them as if they were her own children. Her family was her greatest joy and the center of her world.

Mama Angel was a woman of remarkable strength, resilience, and curiosity. Although she completed only primary school, she was entirely self-taught. She had an enduring love of books and learning, and her curiosity about the world never faded. She loved to cook, sew, and create beautiful things through arts and crafts. Her strong and devoted faith was an important part of her life and guided her through both joy and hardship.

She was compassionate, protective, and loving beyond measure. Mama Angel was also known for her generosity and willingness to help anyone in need. She gave freely and never thought twice about sharing what she had with someone who needed it. Her kindness touched countless lives.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cruz Cuaya Cuaya; her parents, Juan Castillo Aguilar and Maria Yáñez Merino; her sisters, Carmen, Refugio, and Guadalupe; and her brother, Juan.

Her legacy is carried through her children and grandchildren Maria de Deus, Adan, Zayil, Rayito, Omar, Daniel, Miriam, Brenda and Nathalie, Javier and Andy and her great- grandchildren Rico, Benjamin, Mateo, Abigail, Quetzalli and Leilany along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

Mama Angel continues to be the beating heart of her family, she leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, strength, resilience, generosity, and devotion to family. Her love, lessons, traditions and memories will continue through every generation.

May she rest in eternal peace.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at St Raymond of Peñafort Catholic Church, 301 S. I-Oka Street, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the Celebration of Life Mass at 11:00 a.m.

Burial to follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, 700 N. River Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016