Rachelle Castillo Obituary

Rachelle Rongavilla Castillo was born at Huntington Medical Hospital in Pasadena, California on a radiant afternoon on April 28, 1988. She was an accomplished gymnast, swimmer, and vivacious cheerleader throughout her youth. A lifelong resident of the San Gabriel Valley, she attended Mark Keppel High School and Pasadena City College.

A devoted daughter, sister, cousin, ninang, and friend, Rachelle treasured her family and friends and held them close. She championed her loved ones whenever, wherever possible. No birthday, graduation, or any of life's little victories went unnoticed on her watch. To be seen and understood by Rachelle was a feeling like no other.

She moved in a beautiful, brilliant tumble of ebony curls, immaculate in a perfumed cloud, her laughter filling every room and heart. A Taurus through and through, Rachelle had a keen eye for antiques, a knack for curation, and getting lost in a good book. Her collection of sumptuous tea sets and gilded trinkets and sumptuous from local vintage markets and purveyors abroad marked a life well lived. Her afternoon tea birthday parties were legendary- her dearest tradition for 15 years with celebrations spanning over 10 tea rooms across California.

An old soul who cherished the art of the handwritten letter, Rachelle was a devoted member of a global pen-pal club and regularly sent holiday greetings by post. Nothing delighted her more...except trips to the hallowed grounds of Disneyland, her happy place on Earth. She delighted in all the park had to offer from the rides to the ambiance, never without a stylish pair of Mickey ears. The joy she felt walking down Main Street or while on her favorite ride was pure to witness. Her love for Disney inspired her creativity, evident in her impressive collection of Mickey ears, backpacks, and memorabilia from which she'd pull together the most enchanting outfits for park-hopping.

Beyond Disneyland, many of Rachelle's weekends began with early morning strolls at The Huntington Library and Gardens-her sanctuary amongst the rose garden, camelia trees, and lotus ponds. Here, she was at peace marveling at the changing of the seasons, contemplating all that tomorrow had to offer.

Rachelle passed away at her home in Monterey Park on December 29, 2024 at the age of 36. Rachelle is survived by her mother Emy Rongavilla, brothers Rodney and Ryan, and her beloved pup Winston, preceded by her father Reynaldo Pineda Castillo.