Aida Urias Casillas

In Loving Memory of Aida Urias Casillas: May 23, 1947 - July 27, 2023

Embracing Eternity Surrounded by Love, Gratitude, and Compassionate Service

With profound sorrow and hearts heavy with loss, we gather to bid farewell to Aida Urias Casillas, a woman whose life was a testament of faith, and who lived with an unwavering love for her family. Aida was born on May 23, 1947, in Buena Vista, Mexico and she peacefully departed this earth at home in Bastrop, Texas on July 27, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and kindness that touched the lives of countless individuals.

Aida was preceded in death by her parents, Joaquin and Manuela Urias, and her brother, Eulalio "Lalo" G. Urias. She was also preceded in death by her two sisters-in-law Vickie Urias and Lola Urias.  She is survived by her sister, Eva Gutierrez, her husband Pole and her brother, Florentino “Tino” Urias. Aida shared special bonds with her family, and their love provided her with a solid foundation from which she bloomed into the remarkable woman she became.

In the embrace of love, Aida found her life partner, Robert Salinas Casillas. Their love story was one that transcended time, and they shared a deep commitment to their faith. They were previously active members of Notre Dame Catholic Church in Alief, where their dedication and service left an indelible mark on the community. Currently, they are active members of Ascension Catholic Church in Bastrop, where their unwavering faith continued to inspire and uplift.

Robert and Aida's impact on people's faith has been profound. They wholeheartedly believed in strengthening marriages, guiding young engaged couples through Pre-Cana classes, and serving as Marriage Encounter group leaders and convention presenters. Their dedication to Christian formation enriched the lives of children of all ages, and their selfless volunteer work extended to the Richmond State Hospital in Rosenberg, Texas and many church bazaars. Additionally, they participated in traveling medical missions, providing much-needed care and compassion to those in need. Bishop Joe S. Vásquez awarded them the Lumen Gentium Award, recognizing their participation in the Catholic Church's mission to bring Christ's light to all.

Aida served as a spiritual mentor to countless parishioners, offering guidance, love, and support to those seeking solace and understanding. As a Eucharistic minister, she touched the lives of many by administering the sacrament with profound reverence and care.

Beyond her deep commitment to faith, Aida was a trained nurse who dedicated her life to others. Her nurturing spirit and compassionate nature were evident in all aspects of her life. Whether caring for her family, her community, or her patients, Aida's selflessness knew no bounds.

Aida is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, Robert S. Casillas, her three children and their spouses, Rob and Wendi Casillas of Pflugerville, Liz and Will Franklin of Houston, and Carlos and Steven Casillas-Jones of Honolulu, as well as her precious grandchildren, Robin and Collin Jacobs, Ben and Kevin Casillas, and Aidan and Joshua Franklin. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews and their families, whom she cherished deeply.

The family is eternally grateful to her caretakers during her passing, including her physicians, Dr. Pompeyo Chavez and Dr. Desmar Walkes; her spiritual director, Rev. Ramiro Tarazona; caretakers Linda Haug and Lupe Lopez; Nurse Patty Brown; and the services provided by the team at Aspen Hospice and Palliative Care. In particular, the family thanks Hope Torres who has cared for Aida for the last three years, treating her as though she were one of Hope's own family members with love and care. The compassionate and attentive care from this team provided comfort and support during Aida's final journey, for which the family will always be thankful.

As we come together to celebrate Aida's life, let us honor her memory by embracing the love, faith, compassion, and selfless service she exemplified throughout her life.

May Aida's soul find eternal peace in the loving arms of God, reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her. Her memory will forever blossom like the flowers and sing like the birds she adored, and her impact on the lives she touched will resonate for generations to come. Rest in peace, dear Aida. Your love, spirit, and the gratitude of those you touched will forever reside in our hearts.

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A viewing will be held at Marss-Jones-Newby Funeral Home on Thursday, August 3 at 6:00 p.m., located at 505 Old Austin Hwy, Bastrop, TX 78602. A Rosary Service will follow at 7:00 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will take place at Ascension Catholic Church on Friday, August 4 at 1:00 p.m., located at 804 Pine St. Bastrop, TX 78602.

Following the funeral mass everyone is invited to join the family for food and fellowship at the Parish Hall.

Aida's spirit of giving extends beyond her lifetime, as she donated her brain and spinal cord to the UT Health San Antonio Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases for important medical research for the 50 million people similarly affected. In her honor, in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be directed to the Biggs Institute - Director's Critical Needs Fund at https://tinyurl.com/AidaUCasillas. Your contribution will aid in advancing our understanding and treatments for these devastating conditions.