Maria Teresa

Maria Teresa, a beacon of love and warmth, peacefully departed this world on July 4, 2026, surrounded by her devoted family after a long and courageous battle with dementia. She was born on July 22, 1931, in the vibrant city of Ibague, Colombia, to her loving parents, Fabio Aragón and Simona Ramirez. They, along with her beloved husband, Francisco Castro, predeceased her and undoubtedly welcomed her with open arms in the afterlife. Maria Teresa's life was a testament to dedication, love, and resilience. On December 18, 1954, she married Francisco Castro, embarking on a beautiful journey together. They nurtured a family of five children, initially in their cherished homeland of Colombia, before bravely immigrating to the United States. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter, filled with triumphs and the warmth of family bonds. Throughout her life, Maria Teresa dedicated herself to her role as a homemaker with unwavering commitment. Her family was the center of her universe, and she poured her heart into supporting Francisco and ensuring her children had every opportunity to reach their highest potential. Her nurturing spirit was the foundation upon which her family thrived. Maria Teresa's talents extended beyond her familial duties. She found joy in sewing, crafting garments for her children with love in every stitch. Her culinary skills were admired by all, as she delighted in preparing exquisite dishes, especially her favorite torta de pan with bocadillo veleño. Her passion for cooking led her to take culinary classes, where she honed her ability to create mouthwatering desserts. Her vivacious spirit was evident in her love for music and dance. She was known for her lively presence at parties, where she would revel in salsa and vallenato, often with a shot of guarito (aguardiente) in hand. Maria Teresa also cherished her time at the casino, where her luck brought her occasional wins, much to her delight. Maria Teresa leaves behind a legacy of love through her surviving children, Francisco (Mireya), Nidia (Martin), Fabio (Moira), Henry (Eydar), and John, as well as a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Cecilia, Tony, Nicolas, Katie, Ashley, Allyson, Nicole, Meeko, Dean, Emilia, Santiago, Violet, and Marleen. Her family was her pride and joy, and her love will forever be etched in their hearts. A service (viewing) to celebrate Maria Teresa's remarkable life will be held on July 10, 2026, at 4:00pm at Serenity Funeral Home, located at 1450 S. SR 7, North Lauderdale, Florida 33068. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice, honoring Maria Teresa's generous spirit. As we remember Maria Teresa, her family shares a special message: "De donde vienes? De Penjamo, obvio!" Her humor, warmth, and love will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.