Obituary of Soledad Rivera Castro

Our beloved Soledad (Dading) Rivera Castro passed away peacefully on August 1st, 2020, surrounded by family, including her 8 children, many grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Soledad Santos Rivera was born in Agat, Guam on June 18th, 1935. She was preceded by her husband of 40 years Vicente (Big Ben) Cruz Castro (Familian Siket), her grandson Gregory John Atoigue Jr., her father Vicente Salas Rivera, her mother Isabel Santos Marion, step-father Geronimo B. Marion, sisters Alice Stovall, Rose Aganowski, Rita Leon Guerrero, and brother Joe Marion. Soledad was also married to Andrew Bauman (dec) of Canyon Country. She is survived by her children: Rosalyn (Alfredo) Moreno of Hollister, CA, Isabel (Gregory Sr.) of San Leandro, CA, Vincent F. Castro of San Jose, CA, Lucelle (Thomas) Cox of Lancaster, CA, Cathy Gresl of San Antonio, TX, Barbara (Paul Sr.) Manibusan of Round Rock, TX, Valentina (Dale) Fortin of Sahaurita, AZ, Evelyn (Jared) Cox of Blanchard, OK, 23 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. She also leaves behind 4 brothers, 4 sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews. Soledad was born and raised during a tumultuous time in the world. She was only a child when the Japanese invaded Guam during World War II, and the memories of internment stayed with her. Yet, despite this dark beginning, her zest for life was undiminished. She enjoyed traveling, bingo, and meeting new people, which is why she made friends everywhere she went. She had a beautiful voice, loved to dance and entertain her large family, and was known for being a talented cook. Dading also had a green thumb, and raised a variety of animals in Guam. Her passion for life was contagious, her smile lit up every room she entered, and her generosity was endless. Soledad was a dedicated wife, an amazing mother, and grandmother, who inspired and guided her family throughout her 85 years. She is irreplaceable and will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but her family will find solace in the warmth and light that still shines, and will continue to shine always. Hu guiya hao, Nanao!