Amada Castillo Rodriguez, 68, of Laredo, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born to Mario and Yolanda Castillo on November 8, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, Amada lived a life devoted to family, community, and service. She will be remembered by all who knew her as loving, generous, and the life of every gathering, a woman who met each day with humor, grace, and boundless compassion.

Amada was the daughter of a hardworking family who instilled in her the values of faith, education, and perseverance. A proud graduate of Martin High School, Class of 1976, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Child Care Work from Incarnate Word College in December 1979. Her passion for helping others inspired her pursuit of advanced study, culminating in a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M International University in May 1995.

Amada married the love of her life, George David Rodriguez, in April 1979. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Their 46-year marriage was blessed with two children, Jorge Rodriguez and Valeria Cantu, who were the pride and joy of their parents. Amada cherished every moment spent with her husband. George preceded her in death, and their bond remains a lasting testament to enduring love.

Amada began her professional career with the Webb County Juvenile Probation Department, where from 1980 to 1997 she dedicated herself to guiding and mentoring young people, often becoming a beacon of support for those who needed compassion and direction. In June of 1997, she joined the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), where she faithfully served her community and her country until her retirement in December 2017. Her CBP colleagues became her extended family, and she remained active in retirement, organizing monthly CBP gatherings and supporting many of her peers as they transitioned into new chapters of life.

Outside of work, Amada lit up every room she entered. Known affectionately as the “life of the party,” she found joy in the little things—a lively game of Lotería or Bunco, weekend antiquing trips, or simply sharing stories and wine with loved ones. A self-proclaimed wine connoisseur, she delighted in exploring new tastes and experiences, always with a warm smile and generous spirit. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandkids, whose laughter filled her heart.

Amada’s faith sustained her through every stage of her life. Her devotion, combined with her warmth and humor, made her a cornerstone in her family and community. She leaves behind her son, Jorge Rodriguez (Sarah), her daughter, Valeria Cantu (John); her grandchildren, Kalina, Khalil, Meelah, and Remy; her siblings, Mario Castillo II (Lou Ann), Mary Lou Castillo (Ernest), Francisco Castillo (Arabella), and Juan Castillo (Melissa); numerous nephews and nieces who affectionately referred to her as “Tia Ama”; and a loving extended family of relatives, colleagues, neighbors, classmates, and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mario and Yolanda Castillo, and her beloved husband, George David Rodriguez.

Amada Castillo Rodriguez’s story is one of love, dedication, and joy – an exemplary life well-lived. Her memory will continue to bless all who were fortunate enough to know her.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
– 2 Timothy 4:7

The family will be receiving guests on Tuesday, December 2,  2025, at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  A rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm.  The chapel will reopen at 8:00 am on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 to depart at 10:30 am for a Funeral Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church at 11:00 am. Interment will be on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 10:30 am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com

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