Marina A. Castel

Marina Castel was called home to our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, September 27^th 2022 at Genesis East Hospital in Davenport. Although it was unexpected for us, Marina, a devout woman of God, knew it was her time. Marina was always trusting in The LORD’S time with her ever faithful, “If it be the Lord’s Will.” She was unwavering in her faith. Always selfless, humble and thankful to be a servant of the Lord.

Up until her passing, she had been attending many social events, family gatherings and the Sacred Heart Parish Festival this September, where she joyfully made over 14 dozen enchiladas for the event with the help of her beloved family. Marina had been pained for a long time due to health issues. Through it all she still always gave thanks to God, never allowing herself to fall to self-pity or excuses.  She would always push through her pain for the sake of making others feel welcomed and loved.

Marina loved The Lord Jesus Christ and his Blessed Mother with her whole heart. Marina was a devout Catholic woman that attended Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, Iowa.  Marina was an active member of her parish, praying the Rosary daily. At Sacred Heart, she had served as a parish nurse for many years. She was a eucharistic minister during Mass and made hospital visits to the sick and lowly. She was a religious education teacher, volunteered at the clothing center, and was on the Vocations Committee.

Marina Ann Montez was born on April 29, 1943 in Moline, a daughter of Jess and Caroline (Valle) Montez. She married Richard J. Castel on May 5, 1962 at St. Mary’s, East Moline. She earned her associates degree from Scott Community College in nursing. Marina worked as a nurse at Genesis East (St. Luke’s) for 39 years, retiring in 2006.

Marina loved and cherished her family. She was the second oldest of 12 brothers and sisters. Marina learned from a young age to take care of others by helping her parents, Carol and Jess Montez, raise all of the Montez children. She learned this selfless service from her faithful parents. Marina’s selfless sacrifice would continue in her everyday life as she was a registered nurse for 39 years, retiring from St. Luke’s (Genesis East) in 2006. She has made such a joyful impact on so many people in her career as a nurse. Her giving and love didn’t stop there as she and Richard raised 5 children in a small 3-bedroom home. The house may have been small, but it is still full of love until this day. Marina instilled her children with the same values, faith and selflessness she lived day in and day out.

One of her greatest delights in life was to cook and prepare meals for others. She could make a meal out of rice, beans and tortillas and it would be better than anything you could get at a restaurant. Because it was made with love. If you came to Marina’s home full, it did not matter, she would still feed you. “No thank you” wasn’t an option.

Family reunions brought great joy to Marina as well as the yearly BIX 7 run, when family and friends were gathered on her front yard. Her little blue house was a staple on the BIX route and was a welcomed home for anyone needing a drink of water or some Mexican food to revive them.

Grandma Rina adored her grandchildren. She always had toys, gifts, trinkets and books on hand to read to them at any time. She particularly enjoyed “Little Critter” books that she read to her eldest grandson and his children. She believed in educational learning, always making sure the grandkids would learn as they played. Toys at her home were the same toys that her children once played with. When she wasn’t with the grandkids or living for others, she enjoyed her” Gunsmoke” and “Andy Griffith” shows.

Marina made it her mission to remember every birthday, anniversary, celebration and always ended every card with: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24.

Grandma Rina, Mama Rina, Gram, Grammy, Mom, Momma, Mommy, Aunt Marina, all names she is known and loved by. She will always be remembered. Until we see you again in heaven, We love you Grandma Rina.  

Survivors include her children: Joseph R. Castel, Carol Castel Schutters, Michael R. Castel, Maryanne (Christopher) Cacari, Theresa (Keith) Davison; grandchildren: Brent (Niki) Mendoza, Matthew Tapia, Jacob Mendoza, Jerisa Castel, Joshua Schutters, Mykalynn Castel, Jasmine Heald, Zachary Cacari, and Korrine and Keira Davison; great-grandchildren: Trey, Brayden, Myles, Mylan, Faith, Jade, Merida, Christian, Myah, and Mayson; siblings: Alfred Montez, Luz “Louie” (Rosemary) Montez, Monica McColley, Martha Haire, Ben (Margaret) Montez, Steve (Carla) Montez, Louise (Perry) Ramirez, Jerry (Norma) Montez, and Marcy Montez; sister-in-law, Pam Montez, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings: Lenore (Mac) Chavez, Daniel Montez, sister-in-law, Bich Montez, and brothers-in-law Michael Olvera and Rick Haire.  Special friends Irene Cacari, Florence Beaulieu. May they rest in peace.

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Marina will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport. Private family burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, East Moline. Visitation will be held Monday from 4 until 7 p.m. at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport with a rosary and time of sharing taking place at 6:15 p.m. Additional visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service Tuesday at the cathedral.  Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral.