Born in Managua Nicaragua on April 13, 1938 passed on to be with the Lord on Friday August 4th, 2017 at her home in Concord California. She was 79 years old.  She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jose Castillo Urcuyo, sister Maria Teresa Brummert, and children Jose Castillo, Patricia Cisneros, Cynthia Arenbart, and Desiree Aguilar.  Gilda and Jose have 12 grandchildren, Jordan Castillo, Josef Castillo, Lindsey Castillo, Lillyana Castillo (Lilly), Jackson Castillo, Nicholas Cisneros, Christopher Cisneros, Julian Arenbart, Preston Arenbart, Scarlet Arenbart, Adrian Aguilar, and Olive Aguilar.

Gilda was the daughter of Nicaraguan industrialists Bonifacio Roque and loving mother Pertonila Vallecillo.  She was a business owner in Managua until 1979, when the family left Nicaragua for Guatemala due to the political situation.  In August of 1980 Gilda and her family arrived in San Francisco fleeing the wars in Central America.  The family settled in Daly City and in December of 1991 they moved to Concord.

Gilda was a loving wife and mother.  Her encyclopedic knowledge of Managuan society and Nicaraguan recipes was always a source of amusement and pleasure to all her family members.  She was a kind gentle soul, and a devoted Catholic.  Her yearly Virgin Mary “Purisimas” in early December were an event that marked the Holidays just like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.  Her children will continue the Purisima tradition for years to come.  Gilda’s wit, sense of humor, and wise advice will be missed by all who knew her.

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