On Thursday, January 11, 2024, the beloved Hilario Family Matriarch, Celia Josefa G. Hilario, 95, was called to the Lord’s presence peacefully surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Born on August 27, 1928, Celia is preceded in death by her father, Alberto Gonzalez, Sr., mother Eloisa C. Hernandez, step-father, Raymundo Hernandez, Sr., her husband, Ramon Hilario, Sr., USA Veteran, brothers, Alberto (Elena+) Gonzalez, Jr., Ramiro (Elia+) Hernandez, TXANG Veteran, and her son-in-law, Roberto T. Castillo, Sr., USMC Veteran.

Left to carry on her legacy and cherish her memory are her children, Juanita Celia Reyna, Esperanza Gloria Castillo, Raquel Alicia Rubio, Ramon Hilario, Jr., USAF Veteran, Theresa Lily (Arnoldo) Martinez and her brother, Raymundo (Maria Elena) Hernandez, Jr. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Celia was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. A devout Catholic she took great joy in her participation in different activities at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church serving as a team member in several A.C.T.S. retreats, parish Jamaicas, and relevant parish fundraisers.

An example to follow, Celia was a gentle soul who truly radiated God’s love for His people. All who came in contact with her were immediately drawn to her and were blessed to call her a friend. Gigi, as she was lovingly nicknamed by her great-grandchildren, reveled in the many family gatherings to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and any special occasion. She loved to listen to mariachi and Trio music and would readily follow by singing and gesturing to the music. She loved to travel and venture and relished in her trips to England, Japan, Canada and multiple points of interest within the United States.

Keeping herself abreast of world and local news through a variety of media, she could readily converse on a diversity of topics, such as politics, sports, world leaders, etc. A nature lover at heart, she delighted in catering to God’s creations, such as the plants, feeding the birds and raising baby turtles.

The family would like to extend a sincere gratitude to her long time Physician, Dr. J. R. Garcia, Luis Canales, CRT, the fourth floor and ICU nursing staff at Doctor’s Hospital, her spiritual providers, Bishop James A. Tamayo, DD, Rev. Leszek Waclawik, Rev. Richard Hall, OMI, Rev. David Muñoz, OMI, Msgr. Alex Salazar, Rev. Francisco Quiroz, Rev. Pedro Mercado, Deacon Juan Zamarripa, Serenity Home Care Services staff: Fausto Lozano, LVN, Valerie LeaL, RN, Deyanira Villarreal, RN, Carla Gutierrez, DPT, Roberto Lerma, PTA, and her American Medical Home Health provider, Nora Espinoza.

Active Pallbearers will be: AGCS Amador Reyna, Jr., USN, Retired, Roberto T. Castillo, Jr, Roland M. Castillo, Juan D. Rubio, Jr., USA Veteran, Hector A. Rubio, USA Veteran, David R. Almendarez, Arnoldo Martinez and Gregory Martinez, USA Veteran.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: LT Alberto J. Reyna, USN, Retired, Michael A. Castillo, Daniel R. Castillo, and John M. Almendarez.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Fred Dickey Funeral Home. A vigil of the deceased and Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m.

The funeral cortege will depart from the funeral home on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.

Rite of committal and interment will follow at the Laredo Catholic Cemetery family plot.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories and sign the guestbook online at www.freddickey.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Fred Dickey Funeral and Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo Texas 78041, (956) 723-3611,