Ernestina Veliz Castaneda

June 28, 1927 - July 14, 2019

Raymondville, Texas Ernestina Castaneda was born on June 28, 1927 in Matamoros, Mexico daughter of Luciano and Mariana (Cepeda) Veliz. She proudly pursued the American dream and worked hard in bodegas and offices. She met Manuel Castaneda and fell in love; married and they raised two kids, and later a handful of grandkids. For more than 50 years she touched the lives of many in Raymondville. She was a friend, a mother and a grandma to everyone. She loved her friends and valued loyalty- For instance, as someone who works at Walmart pharmacy she would tell me, “no voy a dejar a mi primera botica: Watson’s”. Growing up my mother was my mom, and my grandma was my dad. She was a great listener and even better story teller. Her advice was priceless. Her jokes had no limit both on quantity and quality. If she was stern, it was with purpose, she wanted us to reach our full potential. She led by example always moving, working, cleaning and not to forget, putting on garage sales. She showed us hard work and showed us not to be scared of the world; with love, friendship, strength and wisdom anything was possible; such as living happily up to 92 years of age. Though she did experience much sorrow in her life, with the passing of her husband, her son, Ernesto Castaneda and most recently her daughter, Yolanda Guzman at last she can rejoice: the family is back together with the Lord. She is survived by her grandchildren, David Guzman, Albert Lopez, Omar Lopez, Ray Saenz, Daniel Saenz and John Saenz; and 9 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 until time of rosary at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at 12 noon at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 693 N. 3rd, Raymondville, Texas followed by interment in the Raymondville Memorial Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Duddlesten Funeral Home, 604 W. Hidalgo Ave., Raymondville, Texas.