Norena Novela (Baca) Castillo

Norena Novela Baca Castillo, a longtime resident of Los Chavez, NM, died Friday, July 28, 2017 in Albuquerque, NM.

Norena is survived by her husband, Philip; her sister, Pauline Garcia (Bobby); and six children, Steven Castillo (Erin), Anthony Castillo (Carol), Thomas Castillo (Marie), John Castillo (Kristie), Catherine Fresquez (Joey), and Orlando Castillo (Kimberly). From her children, she is also survived by 14 grandchildren, Teresa, Alex, Gabriel, Patrick, Kaitlin, Laura, Zachary, Juliana, Joshua, Jacob, Selena, Nicholas, Benjamin and Ella; and one great-grandchild, Hadley.

Norena was born November 12, 1939 in Belen, NM. She graduated from Belen High School in 1957. She married Joseph Philip Castillo on February 1, 1958. Norena was a dedicated home-maker, wife and mother, raising six children with Philip. Norena was deeply dedicated to her family, ensuring that all of her children were well cared for and instilling in them a strong set of values. She was a devoted and loving wife to Philip through 59 years of marriage, until she departed this life to be with the Lord.

Norena enjoyed the truly beautiful things in life as manifested in her art, her beautiful gardens, her many visits to the mountains or in her interactions with many relatives and friends. Her drawings, paintings, pottery, santos and retablos were a testament to her creativity. Many of her works displayed at the state fair were recognized with top prizes. Her art remains in many homes of family members and friends as a reminder of her appreciation for beauty and creativity. Norena enjoyed socializing with her friends and her sister, Pauline, traveling to art shows and galleries across northern NM. Norena’s deep faith in God led her to make the pilgrimage to Chimayo on multiple occasions, accompanied by her sister Pauline and her sister-in-law, Ginny. Her walking staff remains in her family to this day adorned with the names of her family members as a remembrance of her deep devotion to God and family.

Norena was preceded in death by her father and mother, Elfego and Florela Baca; her brother, George Baca (Ginny); and her sister, Evangeline Gallegos (Buddy).

Services in remembrance of Norena include a Rosary on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM followed by a Mass at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services will be conducted Monday, August 14, 2017, 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church cemetery. The pallbearers will be Norena’s grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their special thanks to the staff, nurses and caregivers at North Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center and to Dr. Kim, Nurse Kathy, Chaplain Normand and Coordinator Isaac of Kindred Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Norena’s name.