Sophie Castillo

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend, SOPHIE CASTILLO, age 83 of Albuquerque, NM, on Monday, March 4, 2024. She was born August 10, 1940, in Greeley, CO, to Rafael and Erminia (Minnie) De La O. Sophie grew up in Hatch, New Mexico, the "Chile Capital of the World." She moved to Albuquerque, NM in 1964. She loved music, dancing, singing and shopping. Her favorite place to shop was "The Wille" (Goodwill). Her home was filled with knick-knacks, used clothes, pots, pans, and dishes. Well....not just used stuff...she loved shopping at the mall too. She was generous with her time and treasure and had an amazing sense of humor and was known for telling an off-color joke once in a while. She would also not let you leave her house without giving you a blessing.

Those left to mourn her passing include her sons, H. Ray Fajardo of Las Cruces; John and Charles Castillo of Albuquerque, and her daughter, Marina Montoya (Richard) of Albuquerque; her 17 beautiful grandchildren, Kristin F. Montoya (Kris), Lauren Montgomery (Joseph), Isaiah Castillo, Anna Fajardo (David), Sofia Marvez (Oswaldo), Amber Montoya, Rita Montoya, Mary Montoya, Desi Castillo, Carlos Castillo, Pearl Castillo, Cesar Castillo, Joaquin Castillo, Cheyenne Castillo, Erica Castillo, Jackie Castillo, and John Castillo Jr; her brother, Val De La O; her sisters, Belen Sanchez (Enrique) and Rachel Montoya (Ernie) all of Albuquerque, NM. Other survivors include her 15+ great-grandchildren, Lucas, Mia, Marisa, Elijah, Nathan, Lucia, Emilia, Maria, Jacob, Jesse, Carlos, Alexis, Justine, Kyla, and Robert; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Sophie was preceded in death by her husband, Rudolfo Valentino Castillo Sr.; her son, Rudolfo Valentino Castillo Jr.; her parents, Rafael and Erminia De La O; and brother, Nel De La O.

Visitation for Sophie will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at FRENCH - University, Albuquerque, NM, with Rosary to follow at 6:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 15, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at the Church of the Ascension, 2150 Raymac Road SW, Albuquerque, NM. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd. NE, where she will be laid to rest.

Serving as casket bearers will be Richard Montoya, Ralph De La O, Edward Vigil, Stephen Montoya, Issac Montoya and Cesar Castillo. Honorary bearers will be Sophie's many nieces and nephews.