In memory of
Louisa Beatrice DeCastro
February 1, 1937 -
April 4, 2020
Born on Monday, February 1, 1937 to Rosaline Angelina (nee Semple) and Clifford
Jaundoo of #22 Village, West Coast, Berbice, Louisa was their fourth and last child.
She is predeceased by siblings Lily Bowman, Walter and Winston Jaundoo.
Louisa’s childhood was happy and carefree, roaming the backdams and pastures
of #22 Village and fostering friendships that would last a lifetime. All under the
ever-watchful eyes of her parents as well as her maiden aunt Mary.
In her teens the family relocated to Georgetown where she finalized her
education. December 13, 1955 was a milestone event marking her first day of
employment with North American Life Insurance, the company which
represented her working career in Guyana. She proved to be a responsible, caring
and dutiful daughter, helping to support her then widowed mother.
In 1965 while holidaying at her brother Walter’s home at #10 Village, she
caught the eye of a handsome sales consultant Francis (Fidel) DeCastro who was
there to discuss Massey-Ferguson machinery. It is reported that she was perched
on a donkey cart and when glances were exchanged the ensuing fireworks rivalled
the 4 th of July/Canada Day celebrations.
On April 29, 1967 Louisa and Fidel were married at Brickdam Cathedral and
honeymooned in Barbados. They were a very well connected and social couple
and Louisa was always a gracious hostess. Her culinary skills are legendary. Son
Christopher and daughter Catherine were born in 1971 and 1972 respectively.
In 1976 she and her family emigrated to Canada. She has held various positions
with the Government of Ontario and was a regular fixture with Elections Canada
and local political campaigns until her retirement in 2002.
Family values, religion and financial security were her hallmark discussion points.
She was an independent thinker, passionate about her beliefs and opinionated.
That was Louisa – a wife who complemented her husband, a mother who cared
for and valued her children enough to be unsparing with her wisdom, a
grandmother who loved her grandchildren unconditionally (Janine,Christopher
Jacob, Gisele & Jade), an aunt who was always there to support albeit with a
few “I told you so’s”, a friend with a ready ear and most importantly, a child of God.
Louisa is survived by her loving husband Francis “Fidel” DeCastro, her son Chris and wife Ellen and their children Janine, Christopher & Jade, by her daughter Catherin Watson and her children Jacob & Gisele.
Louisa was deeply loved, she will be sorely missed but her legacy is indelible.
A celebration of louisa’s life will be planned later in the year.