Aileen Lois Castillo
Aileen Castillo (Koppleman), loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on 03/26/2026. Aileen was a 4 th generation Santa Barbara native born at Cottage Hospital to Alvera Bonilla Koppleman and Samuel Koppleman.
She graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1949 later marrying Robert Castillo with whom she spent the next 70 years together until her passing. While mom’s primary job was a homemaker, she spent many years doing childcare for close friends. Living across the street from the elementary school allowed her to volunteer much of her free time assisting the teachers and working on the playground becoming the favorite yard duty to many children, often being presented with lizards as gifts. Mom was later recognized for all her volunteer work by receiving the PTA’s Honorary Service Award.
The Castillo home was the place for kids to hang out, with many friends referring to her as “mom”. She welcomed all who came and spent many a time making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for everyone. She eagerly traveled throughout the West Coast on family camping and fishing trips, often with fishing pole in hand.
Once her children were grown and no longer required her constant attention, she went to Santa Barbara Business College to study accounting and later learning other activities to keep her busy like cake decorating, bowling and working as an election worker. Later, she would become a cashier at Sav-On where she was the friendly lady behind the counter always smiling and chatting up the customers.
The same dedication she spent with her own children was also spent on her grandchildren. She never missed a birthday party, baseball game, class play, graduation or any activity they participated in. Nonnie, as she was known to her grandchildren, was always there when she was needed.
Aileen is survived by her husband, Robert and children Bob Jr, Sharon (Jeff) Gill, Marilyn Otis, and grandchildren Aleksi, Thomas James, Danise, Scotty (Katie), Jennifer (Matt), Jared and her great grandchildren Brayden, Kayden and Lily together with many nieces, nephews and brothers in law. Sadly, she will not be meeting her newest great grandson due in June, but he will grow up hearing Nonnie stories. Preceding her in death were her sons Bill and Jim Lowe, Michael Castillo, and sister Doris Caswell.
Our hearts are broken and will never be the same, but we are comforted knowing she is at peace and with her loved ones. We hope you are somewhere enjoying your heavenly Happy Meals.
Private family graveside services will be held on Friday, May 1st with a celebration of life to follow with family and friends at Mulligan’s Café from noon-3pm.
