Margaret Roque Castro

Margaret Roque Castro, 90, joyfully entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday evening, December 19, 2018, surrounded by her five daughters, in the home of daughter, Susan. She lived her entire life in Redlands where she was born in 1928, as a member of the large, established Roque family.  She contributed several family photographs included in the local historical book entitled, Mexican Americans in Redlands.
Known as little gramma, she had a big loving heart and leaves a rich, legacy to her 22 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren, and was a surrogate grandmother to many others as well.  She was relentless in sharing her faith to all her family and friends.  She thoroughly enjoyed her role as a catechism teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
She was employed in various jobs as an orange packer, cafeteria worker, private housecleaner, tax preparer and retired from Loma Linda University after working 20 years in the housekeeping department.  In each and every job she held she gained the respect and appreciation of her fellow workers, medical students and children. 
Margaret was predeceased by her beloved husband, Trinidad Castro, of 48  years, who died in 1996. She was the last surviving child of Mexican born parents, Higinio and Dorotea Roque who immigrated from Aguas Calientes.  Her siblings included Felipe Roque, Jose Roque, Anastasio Roque, Porfirio Roque, Guadalupe Yglesias, and Nolberta Sumaya.  She is survived by her five daughters and their respective families:  Alex and Molly Gomez, Santa Barbara, CA; Christopher and Elizabeth Martin, Rockport, MA; David and Abigail Avila, Redlands, CA; Sally Porter, Redlands, CA; and Dr. Bryan and Susan Sowell Redlands, CA. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.  She remained close to her husband’s siblings who still remain, Edward Barrera, Angie Cervantes and Claudina Castro.
Her family welcomes all who were blessed by her life to attend planned services to celebrate her life.  Viewing and the Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, January 3rd, 4—8pm at Emerson Bartlett Mortuary, Redlands.  The graveside services will be held the following morning at 11am at Hillside Cemetery on Friday, January 4th.  A reception will follow the graveside services.