Wanda Castillo-Patlis, 82, of Waco, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 28, 2020.
The family will gather for a private graveside service Thursday, July 2, at Waco Memorial Park.
Wanda was born September 26, 1938 in Waco to George and Mary Holloway. She was a true matriarch and will always be remembered for her fiery attitude and commitment to her family and La Fiesta, the family restaurant.
She met the love of her life Samuel Castillo, Sr. and they married in 1954. They had four beloved children who Wanda centered her life around, never missing a game or practice. She was always the loudest in the stands and she was proud of her kids and their accomplishments.
Wanda stayed at home and raised her four children while Sam Sr. started La Fiesta Restaurant. After his death in 1978, she took over the family business and quickly found her way from being a stay at home wife to a small business owner. She ran a tight ship and worked along with her children to see the success of the restaurant.
All of her children and most of her grandchildren had the opportunity to work alongside her at the restaurant before her retirement in 2002.
Wanda met Herbert Patlis in 1979 and they married shortly after. They spent the next 28 years working and traveling the world together. She loved sports, shopping, shoes and traveling.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary Holloway; her husband, Samuel Castillo Sr.; her husband, Herb Patlis; son, Chris Castillo; daughter, Lisa Castillo Hernandez; and brothers, Bo Holloway and Jack Holloway.
Wanda is survived by her son, Sam Castillo and wife, Ginny; daughter, Vicky and her husband, Scott Libby; grandchildren, Mike Hernandez, Lynsey Castillo, Alanna Owen, Sam Callahan, Christa Kormos, Melissa Bratton, Chris Stephen Castillo, Samuel Castillo, Micky Rosales and Nick Rosales; and 15 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Wanda’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.
A special thank you to Nancy Bray Wagner for all the care she showed Wanda and our family the last few years. She made a difference in Wanda’s last year’s and we will be forever grateful.
Place of Service: Waco Memorial Park , 6623 S. IH-35; Robinson, TX 76706
Print Obituary & Condolences
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
KAREN CROSS
MARY MAKOVY
SCOTT CROSS
MEGAN CROSS
MAKAYLA CROSS
So very sorry for the loss of Ms. Wanda, such a sweet mom, grandmother and Aunt. Love, Hugs and Prayers to you all.
Many prayers sent for peace during this bittersweet time.
Wanda was such a special lady! We always enjoyed her great patronage at La Fiesta. A lot of great memories! You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Sorry about your Mother Sam
Mike Fitzhugh
Heartfelt condolences and prayers being sent to the family.
She was such an awesome person my family was blessed to have worked for her Sending condolences from the Lopez and Ramon family!
Sorry for the LOSS of your MOTHER.
PRAYING for GOD to give you STRONG.
So very sorry to learn of Wanda’s passing… We laughed and had fun back in the day…Prayers for all…❤
Abundance of prayers for the Castillo family during your time of sorrow. Much love from Joey Brem and Kathy Brem McNair ♥️🌹🙏
Wanda was a very loyal customer of mine at Leon’s Cinderella for many years. I Yes, she did indeed love shoes. To this day I remember her buying a pair of Andrew Geller lavender cowboy boots. I had more fun with Wanda and Diana Greenstein when they would shop together…..which by the way was quite often.
Sam, I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your sweet family.
Remembering your mother’s warmth, generosity, and kindness and her great spirit. May you find infinite comfort in your good memories and in all the things of the world that remind you of her. The photo of her and Sam (maybe taken at The Italian Village) that hangs in La Fiesta is a favorite of mine. Take care of each other.
Throughout life we encounter some people that make a difference because their influence is so powerful, you never forget them or the moments with them. When I was just a small boy, I would go to work with my mother. We didn’t have much and mother worked lots of hours of days and nights. When Wanda would see me, she always tweaked my cheek, sometimes giving me a Praline snack. She was extremely kind and friendly at least to me and my mother Hortensia. My prayer for you is that your kindness and impact be remembered by many as I have had a pleasant time remembering those old days in transition from The Italian Village to La Fiesta! God bless you and blessings to your family!
Sam, Lynsey and family. So sorry for your loss. Wanda was loved by many! May God walk with you during your time of need.
I’m so sorry for the loss of Aunt Wanda . She was a great beautiful , strong and kind woman. My condolences and prayers for you all during this sad time . Love , Debby Holloway and family
Dear Castillos,
My sincere condolences for the loss of your mom. She was a grand lady.
Billie Carol (B.C.) Seely