Julia Maria Castro

Julia Maria Castro, born on September 9, 1954, in Fomento, Las Villas, Cuba, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida. A cherished matriarch and the linchpin of her family, Julia dedicated nearly two decades of her life to serving her community as the Director of Immigration Services at Catholic Charities. With a heart full of compassion, she helped hundreds of individuals from diverse backgrounds navigate the complexities of immigration, guiding them toward a brighter future in the United States.

Julia's spirit was woven into the fabric of the Latin American community in Jacksonville, where she shared the beauty and richness of Cuban culture, embracing her heritage with pride. Known for her creativity, she possessed a rare talent for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, infusing joy and vibrancy into every gathering and moment. As the life of every party and the soul of her family, Julia's laughter and warmth will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Juan ("Roberto"); her children, Robert, Danny, and Katie; daughters-in-law, Stephanie and Vanessa; son-in-law, David; and her beloved granddaughters, Francis, Olivia, Lyla, and Diana, who will carry her legacy of love and kindness forward. Julia was not just a mother and grandmother; she was a devoted friend and dependable neighbor, always advocating for the voiceless and lifting others with her unwavering support.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Julia's remarkable life. A visitation will take place on May 28, 2026, at Naugle Funeral Home & Cremation Services at 5:00 PM, followed by a Mass at St. Joseph's Historic Catholic Church on May 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM, where her spirit will be honored in the embrace of the community she cherished so dearly. Her family will hold a Celebration of Life in her honor at a later date. Julia may have departed this world, but her love and memories will forever resonate in the hearts of those she touched.