Tributes

Susan Dienda Castillo, 64, of Pilot Point, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 10, 1960, in San Angelo, TX, to Henry and Oralia (Lopez) Dienda, Susan spent her life lighting up every room she entered with her infectious laughter, boundless energy, and deep love for those around her. On November 3, 1984, Susan married the love of her life, Roy B. Castillo, in Plano, TX. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and joy. Susan loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with all her heart. Her mornings began with coffee and quiet time in God's Word, where she faithfully lifted her family and friends in prayer. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and her love for others radiated from it. To know Susan was to know joy. She danced through life—literally. Whether at family gatherings, church events, or just in her kitchen, her favorite music would play and she'd dance, often pulling others into her rhythm. She adored being outdoors—tanned from countless hours spent gardening, walking by the lake, or enjoying the beach. The water called to her soul, and she was never far from it. Her grandchildren were her heart. She couldn’t get enough of them—celebrating every milestone, baking special treats, and creating memories with each one. She was the loudest cheerleader, the most giving hugger, and always the one laughing the hardest. Susan's laughter was loud, frequent, and contagious. Her joyful spirit touched everyone she met—from the students she guided during her work with CFBISD and Wylie ISD, to the young lives she counseled after earning her License in Chemical Dependency Counseling. She poured into others with compassion, honesty, and hope. A true force of nature, Susan was a serial entrepreneur before the term was even popular. Over the years, she ran a cake decorating business, was a beloved clown at children’s parties, operated an in-home daycare, and sold everything from Mary Kay to Tupperware. If she could dream it, she tried it—with flair and purpose. She kept a beautiful, organized home—everything in its place, sparkling clean, and filled with love. Her brownies were legendary, her home welcoming, and her spirit unforgettable. Susan is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Oralia, and her brother Enrique Dienda. She leaves behind a family who adored her: her husband of 40 years, Roy Castillo; two sons, Roy Castillo and wife Serapha Lavelanet-Castillo of Plano, TX, and Matthew Castillo of Carrollton, TX; daughter Lesley Herrera and husband Manuel of Denton, TX; and her five treasured grandchildren, Victoria Herrera, Manuel Herrera II, Jeremiah Herrera, Claire Lavelanet-Castillo, and Jason Lavelanet-Castillo. She is also survived by her brother Steven Dienda and wife Barbara of Corpus Christi, TX; sister Rachel Dienda of Lubbock, TX; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Slay Memorial Chapel in Aubrey, TX, with Mark Dallalio officiating. Interment will follow at Pilot Point Community Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Susan Dienda Castillo

August 10, 1960 - May 15, 2025