Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Corazon Castillo Espartero, 85, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, surrounded by her family.

As an immigrant born in Bailen, Cavite, Philippines, she arrived in the United States in the early 1960’s as a recent graduate of Mary Johnston College of Nursing at the Philippines Christian University.

Cora was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She built her life around her husband and children, offering steady encouragement, unconditional love, and a home that was always open. Her strength, patience, and quiet wisdom shaped the lives of everyone who knew her.

For 32 years, she proudly served as a registered nurse at Greater Southeast Community Hospital in Washington, DC, completing her successful career as the Clinical Manager, PACU & ASU, forming lasting friendships and touching many lives through her care.

Her life included countless memorable events and activities. She always attended all of her grandchildren’s soccer matches and scholastic celebrations and proudly cheered for them with joy and enthusiasm. She enjoyed her weekend adventures to Atlantic City, had friendly competitions of mahjong with her friends, and went on romantic excursions with her husband to Europe and Brazil. She was also an avid NFL fan, mostly cheering her favorite quarterback Patrick Mahones and the Kansas City Chiefs. In most recent years, her knowledge of the game grew so that she could challenge her family of Washington Commanders Fans on Football Sundays.

Throughout her life, Cora exemplified compassion and generosity, not only within her family, but also in her community. Her unwavering commitment to helping others extended beyond her professional role as a nurse; she was known for her kindness to neighbors and friends. Her legacy is reflected in the countless lives she touched—those who found comfort in her presence, inspiration in her resilience, and joy in her laughter. As her loved ones gather to honor her memory, they celebrate not only her accomplishments but the enduring spirit of love and caring she leaves behind.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Manuel Espartero; her children, Arlene Joyner (James Joyner), and Arnie, and her five beloved grandchildren, Cheyenne (Christian), Justin, Patrick, Nico and Josie, and her 2 sisters Lita and Genivie. She is now reunited with her eldest son, Alvin, who preceded her in death.

Two viewing opportunities will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at George P. Kalas Funeral Home in Oxon Hill, MD. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at George P. Kalas Funeral Home.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Corazon Castillo Espartero

Corazon Castillo Espartero

Corazon Espartero Services

Visitation

Visitation

Memorial Service