Suzanna Maria Waters Castillo

MADISON-Suzanna’s fundamental values and approach to life- optimism, dedication and perseverance, faith, and gratitude were instilled in her during her childhood, growing up on the northern border of Wisconsin and the “ U.P.” Her family met many adversities, including the death of her father at a young age. Her mother gave her a love of learning and music and her Uncle Paul taught her and her brother to hunt and fish. Her love and respect for the elders in her life, especially her grandmother, led her to a career in Gerontology and Geriatric Social Work. She attended St. Norbert’s College, then received her BA and Master of Science in Social Work at UW-Madison. After working in geriatric case management in San Jose, California, completing fellowships in Guadalajara, Mexico, and Stanford University, she returned to the Midwest, living on a farm and teaching at Winona State and St. Teresa’s. Her belief in the value of education brought her back to Madison, where she earned a Ph.D. As Program Director and Distinguished Faculty Associate at the University of Wisconsin Division of Continuing Studies she was a shining example of The Wisconsin Idea. Her interdisciplinary inclinations made her known across campus and the state, as well as nationally and internationally, for her expertise in working with Latino Families, Geriatric Mental Health Care, and Assessing and Understanding Dementia. She was involved in many community organizations and received many awards for her outstanding work and her excellence in teaching. Upon her retirement, Governor Tony Evers gave her a commendation, acknowledging her contributions to the citizens of Wisconsin. Suzanna’s personal legacy is one of compassion, tenacity, curiosity, abundant energy, and always staying positive and hopeful. These traits served her well during her recent courageous battle with cancer. She was a woman of strong faith, a lifelong Catholic; church organist as a teenager, singing in choirs, and Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph’s, Madison. She had a reverence for all living things, especially her dog, Simba, and her horses. Her greatest love, purpose, and joy were her son, Emmanuel; husband, Romeo; and stepson, Michael. She is also survived by her brother, Thomas Waters (Chris); her nephew, Ian; cousin, Lori Adoff; nieces, Elizabeth and Tuline Waters; and other extended family. Suzanna’s unwavering love and spirit is enduring and will continue to inspire our lives. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH AT ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, 1905 W. Beltline Highway, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 17, 2021. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420