Nenita Bautista DeCastro - Obituary

enita “Nitz” B. De Castro, 83, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026. Born on March 29, 1943, in Makati, Philippines, to Benita and Felix Bautista, Nenita devoted her life to serving others as a teacher. She was a loving military spouse to her husband, Emmanuel A. De Castro, a Master Chief in the United States Navy. During his active-duty service, Nenita embraced the journey of military life, traveling and making homes with her family in Guam, Italy, Tennessee, and eventually settling in Maryland after Emmanuel’s retirement from the Navy. A breast cancer survivor, Nenita was known for her strength, deep faith, independence, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She found joy in cooking, attending church, listening to music, and spending time with those she loved. Nenita shared 31 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Emmanuel A. De Castro, until his passing on March 30, 2002. She remained his devoted widow for the next 24 years. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, Monsignor Niconor Bautista; four other brothers; and two sisters. In her later years, Nenita found great comfort in making her home with her family, who lovingly cared for her until the end. She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Christopher and his wife, Frances De Castro, and Nico De Castro; her grandson, Anthony De Castro; her sisters, Carmelita Tarinay and Zenaida Bautista; and many extended family members and dear friends. Nenita’s faith, resilience, kindness, and love for her family will be cherished always, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Relatives and friends are invited to Nenita's Life Celebration on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 2 to 4 P.M. and 6 to 8PM at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for Nenita on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary's of Piscataway Catholic Church, 13401 Piscataway Road, Clinton MD 20735. Interment at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery.