Gloria Castro

Gloria Mae (Balmeo) Castro "Our gift from God" On angels’ wings, our Mom went to be with our Lord on October 17, 2022. Gloria was born on August 18, 1937, in Kansas City, MO to George Balmeo and Valena Walters. At an early age, Gloria moved to Michigan, growing up with her sisters Shirley and Cathy, and brothers Leo and Leon on the east side of Detroit. She embraced life with courage and had a strong constitution with a deep faith in God. She loved nature and animals. She adored her dogs Torchy, Bear, and Scott, as well as all of her grand dogs, and had an adventurous spirit. She loved eagles and every type of bird. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, travelling and camping with them throughout Michigan, and most especially Michigan’s lighthouses that she loved so much. She had a green thumb and a passion for gardening, sharing her beloved gladiola bulbs, moonflower plants and seeds with her children, and seeing where and how they bloomed at their houses. She would always say, “save me some seeds for next year", and we do so that Mom's seeds of Love bloom abundantly. She was known by many as "Mrs. C", and will be remembered as loving her time spent with family and friends, having an easygoing nature about her, and always going with the flow of whatever life brought her. Everyone who knew her will always remember her sense of humor, quick wit, her love of her very large family, and her love of Oreos and oatmeal cookies. Gloria is survived by her children: Robert (Gale), and Randall (Val), Susan, Leilani, Marian (Cliff), Sally (Carey), Betsy (Alex), and Tracey. Gloria was preceded in death by her children Gregory, Barbara, and Robin, grandson Charlie, and her four siblings. Gloria’s 19 grandchildren: Kimberly (Jim), Melissa, Rebecca (Marco), Andrew (Keisha), Matthew (Shannon), Amanda (Gary), Jordan, Jackie (Scott), Candace (Ryan), Courtney (Alex), Heather (Joey), Nick (Karen), Jacob (Destiny), Laura (Greg), Jennifer (Ryan), Angelique (Tom), Randy (Amanda), and LeAnn (Nick). Her 32 great-grandchildren: Zachary, Jonathan, Maria, Savannah, Charlie, Emily, Eleanor, Eva, Evan, Colton, Gary, Caleb, Sawyer, Quinn, Reagan, Theodore, Grayson, Logan, River, Victoria, Elijah, Alexis, Gregory, Nathan, Cora, Audrey, Trey, Nick, Ryan, Dylan, Luke, and Brooklyn. Her 2 great great grandchildren: Lilli and Lakely. She is adored by her nieces Valena, Sharon, Debbie, Vicky, Ramona, Kathy, and nephews Kevin, Leo Jr., and Tim. To say she was proud of and amazed by the size of her family is an understatement. She loved the fact that she was the oldest surviving member of her own immediate family and we loved her for it too. Your Legacy, your Light, and your Love will live on in each of us who have been blessed to call you Mom, Grandma, GiGi, and Friend. We love you…..Always and Forever. Visitation will be held at the Wm Sullivan & Son Funeral Home 8459 Hall Road (3 Blks E. of Van Dyke) Utica, Saturday, October 22 from 3-8 pm and Sunday, October 23 from 2-8 pm Instate Monday, October 24 at 9 am from St. Michael Catholic Church 40501 Hayes Road Sterling Heights until time of mass at 9:30 am Interment Resurrection Cemetery Clinton Township, Michigan

Gloria Castro

August 18, 1937 - October 17, 2022