Celebration of Life
Sunrise: December 15, 1967 ~ Sunset: October 3, 2013

Aura Sofia Wilson Castillo began her life’s journey on December 15, 1967, in Managua, Nicaragua. She was the third child born to the union of Melba and Hans Wilson. She was born to a deeply religious family and attended the Assembly Church of God, where her aunt and uncle were pastors. Sofia accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized in the Atlantic Ocean.

“Sofi”, as she was affectionately known, was a happy, independent child who always radiated a special warmth and joy. She loved the beach and seemed to effortlessly become an accomplished swimmer. Sofia grew into an energetic tomboy who had a special zest for life and loved spending time outdoors. She could often be found climbing trees to pick fruit.

Sofia attended the Moravian Christian School in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua for her elementary education. She was respectful and helpful to her teachers, a good student and friendly with her classmates. When her family moved to Los Angeles, California in 1981, her outgoing personality helped her to make new friends very quickly. She attended Palms Middle School and Venice High School, where she was a popular student who made good grades.

Sofia began working at McDonald’s while she was in high school. She was an eager, resourceful and responsible employee whose talents were noticed by her superiors and she was soon promoted to assistant manager. During the years she worked at McDonald’s, she became skilled at customer service. She used those talents when she went to work at Fromin’s, where she had an experience that would change the course of her life. It was there that she met Javier Castillo and shortly thereafter wedding bells rang.

Sofia left her job to become a full time mother. She centered her affection upon her family and she made her home environment friendly and happy. She valued stay at home motherhood and the benefits it gave her children. Sofia was a devoted mother to three beautiful daughters: Ingrid, Jenice and Kenya whose love for her cannot be measured.

Sofia was a bargain shopper who stretched a dollar so far it became a hot topic for family jokes and teasing. Although she was thrifty, she was always kind and charitable. Sofi was a strong believer in the African proverb that “it takes a village to raise a child” and always made herself available to care for her siblings children. Her willingness to care for other people’s children gained her the reputation with her nieces and nephews as “the best Tia ever!”

Sofia had a sweet tooth and especially loved to eat homemade ice cream. She loved to bake and her cookies, pound cakes and other baked goods were often requested by family members and friends for special occasions. Her specialty was Lemon Meringue pie. Although she was a generous cook who enjoyed sharing her recipes and techniques no one will ever be able to make Lemon Meringue pie the way she did! Memories of her Nicaraguan meals bring a special smile to the faces of those experienced the delight of eating them.

Sofi loved all music but Reggae and Country held a special place in her heart as she loved to dance. She relaxed by working puzzles and she could often be found watching westerns on TV with her stepfather/buddy Leonard. They shared a special bond of friendship and she was his TV guide. She was her mother, Melba’s personal Technical Support providing customer service and education for any electronic devices Melba purchased. Her gift of joy shared with others through her laughter and joking around will never be forgotten.

Sofia maintained a sweet and simple manner that won the trust and hearts of many whose lives were changed by her witness of constant, nurturing love and faith. Her greatest enjoyment during her last days was being surrounded by family and close friends who often helped her get through the rough times. She maintained her trademark sense of humour all the way to the end. The courage and inner strength she displayed was amazing and she reminded us all of the preciousness of life. She trusted in God completely. Her favorite scripture, the 23rd Psalms, tells us that she will “dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Her favorite color was Fuchsia, a brilliant, deep, purplish pink and a perfect match for her radiant personality. Sofia was granted her angel wings on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 8:00 AM. Although she has departed this earth, her legacy will live forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved her. Her transition was made with dignity and grace as her soul rose up into eternal peace.

Sofia leaves an abundance of joy and happy memories for her, daughters, Ingrid Castillo, Jenise Castillo, Kennya Fox, grandchildren, Isaac Castillo-Wilson and Joshua Castillo-Wilson. Her parents Melba Miller, Leonard Miller, Hans E. Wilson, siblings, Bonny Wilson, Hans M. Wilson, Gretchen Triplett, Dawn Miller, Hans N. Wilson, Estevan Wilson and a host of extended family and friends. Sofia, our precious jewel, is now a treasure stored for us in heaven, waiting for our reunion in the land of perfect day where time is without end.