Maria Castro Aponte

Maria Castro Aponte (nee Rodriguez), age 93, of Lorain, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2011, at her home, with her family by her side, and while under the care of Hospice of the Western Reserve.
She was born on April 9, 1918 in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, moving to Lorain in 1952. Maria was a member of Sacred Heart Chapel, where she was instrumental in forming the Sociadad de Damas. She was the cornerstone for many of the church's activities and was always ready to assist in the kitchen for events. She was also a founding member of the Sociadad de Damas at the Puerto Rican Home, which her late husband, Damaso Aponte Castro, was one of the founders, in 1956.
"Humble, compassionate, devoted, and always giving," are some of the words that describe Maria best. She was also well-known for her love of cooking, crocheting, and sewing and would always look forward to attending her grandchildrens' and great grandchildrens' events.
She is survived by her sons; Damaso "Nino" Aponte, Jr. and Marco Antonio Aponte, both of Lorain, her daughter, Norma Luz (Julio) Castro, of Cleveland, 9 grandchildren; Mariaelena Castro, Trudy Castro, Julio C. Castro, Jr., Rico Castro, Damaris Tanya Brown, Dante Nino Aponte, Damian G. Aponte, Marco A. Aponte II, Samuel Aponte, 15 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren, a brother, Ismael, of Puerto Rico, and a sister, Victoria Arana, of Puerto Rico. She is also survived by, Santiago Perez, who she welcomed into her family and raised as a young boy.
Maria was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Damaso Aponte Castro, in 1996, her mother, Eladia Arestigueta, her biological parents; Andres and Fernanda (Nee Gonzalez) Rodriguez, and her brother Daniel.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 12, from 5-9 pm, in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain. Friends will also be received on Wed., from 9 am until the time of her funeral Mass at 9:30 am, at Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain. The Rev. Fr. William Thaden, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.