Eliza Castelino

Eliza R. Castelino, 91, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2024.

Beloved wife of the late Wilfred Castelino; loving mother of Jeanne (Shafi) Alvi, Steven (Syra), and Brian (Sonia); adored grandmother of Shaun, Nigel, and Marissa; fond sister of Amy (late Harry) Mathias, late Dotty (late Ozzie) D’Souza, Jerry (late Lucy) Menezes, and Daisy (Cassie) Fernandes; cherished aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Elsie was born in Mangalore, India, on April 25, 1933 to parents Gregory and Winifred Menezes. When her father tragically passed away at a young age, Elsie and her siblings were raised by her mother, caring grandparents Gilbert and Mary D’Souza, and many loving aunts and uncles.

Being the eldest child, Elsie took an active role in raising her younger siblings. They had formed a strong bond and were inseparable. Elsie was a woman of many talents, including a passion for cooking, love of music, and a zest for life. She enjoyed singing popular English and Konkani songs, and sang with her siblings Amy and Dotty, on All-India Radio, Bombay, in the late 1950s. She was a creative cook who would experiment and explore new ways to make traditional dishes. Above all, she doted on her three grandchildren. She also adored her nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Wilfred and Elsie were married in Mangalore, India, on December 31, 1956. They emigrated from Kuwait to Chicago in 1974 with their three children, and lived in Jefferson Park for 50 years. Sadly, her husband of 44 years passed away tragically on May 10, 2000. Despite her age then (67) she was fiercely independent and continued to live on her own.

She worked at Kirkland and Ellis, a law firm, for one of the senior partners for over 33 years. She excelled at work and received numerous praises, and was well liked. Elsie will be remembered for her generosity, enduring love, cheerful smile, and warm personality. While she will be missed deeply and eternally, she is ultimately at peace.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL 60706.

Funeral Services begin Saturday, June 1, at 10:00 am at the funeral home and will proceed to St. Monica Parish, 5136 N Nottingham Ave, Chicago, IL 60656 for Mass at 11:00 am. Interment is private.

A zoom link for the funeral Mass can be followed at https://www.youtube.com/live/7D2LHweZPSk?si=opJaSP9w3UfcQo80

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls https://donate.mercyhome.org.

For more info 708-456-8300.