December 16, 2022
December 16, 2022
I remembered it was her birthday today. Shes in my thoughts. I still have the gifts she gave me. She was such a beautiful soul inside and out
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Sarita Marie Castaldo, 18, born on December 16, 1996 and passed away on November 2, 2015.
We encourage you to add your memories, thoughts, and photos to this site to help us celebrate Sarita's life and to comfort us through this time.
We will cherish her forever.
Thank you.
Tributes
Leave a tribute
November 3, 2022
November 3, 2022
Hi Beth and family and friends of Sarita
Again, I wish myself and Ines knew her.
I just looked at all the beautiful pictures and hope strength has built up to all those who loved and miss her.
Going through our similar loss presently
Again, I wish myself and Ines knew her.
I just looked at all the beautiful pictures and hope strength has built up to all those who loved and miss her.
Going through our similar loss presently
January 27, 2022
January 27, 2022
I had no idea Sarita passed, I was just recently thinking about her, how she was such a wonderful friend to me when i had none. I wanted to reach out to her and came across this page. Sarita was such a beautiful person inside and out. She treated me as if i was her sister. We use to go to Rio together and she approached me because I was alone and asked if i wanted to hangout with her and her friends. We started hanging out everyday and was so generous she would have gifts for me when i came over to hangout. Whenever someone was mean to me, Sarita would have my back and stick up for me. She was the bestest friend anyone could ever dream of having. Because these moments were so special to me and i will always be grateful for them. Sending love and prayers!
November 2, 2021
November 2, 2021
“Your Love & Light
Shines through Me
Even in Your Physical Absence.”
― Ujjwal Arora, Affirmations: a daily handbook
Shines through Me
Even in Your Physical Absence.”
― Ujjwal Arora, Affirmations: a daily handbook
November 2, 2021
November 2, 2021
Holding Sarita and Beth in our hearts today. The joy that Sarita brought into our lives was unmeasurable. Beth, know that we are thinking of you, that you are a light, and that all of us at UU of SCV are here to listen whenever you need us.
November 1, 2021
November 1, 2021
This time of year never gets easier knowing you’re not here living life to the fullest. I miss you everyday, you’re smile you’re laugh, looking at all your art work. You had so much talent in your soul, heart, and mind. I think about you always when firework by Katy Perry comes on. I remember going to the park by your dad’s with your little sister and we sang the whole song walking back to your place. I hold on to that memory like gold. I have memories that pop up when old songs from junior high come on. I will never forget you. I miss you so much.
November 3, 2020
November 3, 2020
I know that your spirit is with Beth and your other family members and friends
now and always
now and always
November 2, 2020
November 2, 2020
Thinking of you.... And hoping you are at peace. You are still so loved.
Aunt Stacy
Aunt Stacy
November 2, 2020
November 2, 2020
Remembering Sarita today, November 2, 2020. Five years ago we lost this very special person. We will always, deeply feel her loss. Like all of us, Sarita had her problems. Despite those issues, Sarita remained a very caring, compassionate, loving, soul; always willing to go the extra mile to help someone else. And in addition, she was extremely creative. May our memories of you always make us, "Smile, Open our hearts, Love... and go on" (Elizabeth Ammons). With love Sarita.
Aunt Judy and Uncle Mike
Aunt Judy and Uncle Mike
November 2, 2020
November 2, 2020
Dear Beth ~ wishing you comfort & Sarita solace.
November 2, 2020
November 2, 2020
Hello Beth and Sarita's sister and family,
I hope you all are healing and as well as possible. I'm sorry I didn't know her, but have heard of much love for her.
Be Well,
Joel Horwitz(lifelong friend of Mike and Judy)
I hope you all are healing and as well as possible. I'm sorry I didn't know her, but have heard of much love for her.
Be Well,
Joel Horwitz(lifelong friend of Mike and Judy)
November 3, 2019
November 3, 2019
Thinking of you Beth, the mother who remains. With love, Valerie
November 2, 2019
November 2, 2019
Another beautiful day on the east coast. Just like last year, but cooler. Miss you lots. Love Aunt Judy & Uncle Mike
November 2, 2018
November 2, 2018
I think of you often. I know you're at Peace now.
November 1, 2018
November 1, 2018
Dear Sarita,
It's been 3 years since you have left this earth. We still miss you and think of you always. Today is a beautiful, early November, fall day on the east coast. It is sunny, the leaves are looking spectacular, glistening in the sun, and by the afternoon it will be almost 70 degrees. Pretty nice for here! You would love this day and want to be out in it; somehow, I think you will be enjoying this beautiful day right along with us. Love you lots! Aunt Judy & Uncle Mike
It's been 3 years since you have left this earth. We still miss you and think of you always. Today is a beautiful, early November, fall day on the east coast. It is sunny, the leaves are looking spectacular, glistening in the sun, and by the afternoon it will be almost 70 degrees. Pretty nice for here! You would love this day and want to be out in it; somehow, I think you will be enjoying this beautiful day right along with us. Love you lots! Aunt Judy & Uncle Mike
December 16, 2017
December 16, 2017
Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes.
Because for those who love with heart & soul there is no such thing
as separation. ~ Rumi
Because for those who love with heart & soul there is no such thing
as separation. ~ Rumi
November 4, 2017
November 4, 2017
I remember how you helped me pick out items when we shopped at Trader Joe's and our interesting conversations in the car.
Love you always,
Marilyn
Love you always,
Marilyn
November 3, 2017
November 3, 2017
Those we love
don't go away,
they walk beside us
every day.
Unseen, unheard,
but always near,
so loved, so missed,
so very dear.
don't go away,
they walk beside us
every day.
Unseen, unheard,
but always near,
so loved, so missed,
so very dear.
November 2, 2017
November 2, 2017
Hello my dear Granddaughter ! I have been thinking of you all day and wishing you could drop in for a visit. I miss you so very much , as do all your family and friends. We have to converse this way, but I feel you hear us. There are many times when I am somewhere and say to myself, " Sarita would like this. " Such as when the family was looking for fossil shells along the sand on the Chesapeake Bay . You were close by in our hearts . Also when I enjoy seeing nature as I feel you are now helping make it. You were so attuned with all sorts of living creatures and the beauty of flowers. I well remember you gardening.
Each time the sun sets there is a message from you. Even when the sun rises, though they are not as colorful here. Enough for now.
Remember how much I love you. hugs, Nana
Each time the sun sets there is a message from you. Even when the sun rises, though they are not as colorful here. Enough for now.
Remember how much I love you. hugs, Nana
November 1, 2017
November 1, 2017
Two years ago, our family lost a very special person to suicide, our niece Sarita. At that time, when Mike & I were out in California with Sarita's mom, I found a Shel Silverstein book, Where the Sidewalk Ends, in Sarita's room. While we were there I read the book. This poem jumped out at me as one that Sarita would have liked. Especially now, at this time in our history, I felt the need to share it.
Like us all, Sarita had her, problems to deal with. She was an extremely generous soul. Sarita saw no difference in people. She was open to everyone. We hope that sharing this will remind us all that we have many more similarities than differences; we think she would like us to remember that. We miss you very much Sarita. Love, Aunt Judy & Uncle Mike
No Difference
From Where the Sidewalk Ends
by Shel Silverstein
Small as a peanut,
Big as a giant,
We're all the same size
When we turn off the light.
Rich as a sultan.
Poor as a mite,
We're all worth the same
When we turn off the light.
Red, black, or orange,
Yellow or white,
We all look the same
When we turn off the light.
So maybe the way
To make everything right
Is for God to just reach out
And turn off the light!
Like us all, Sarita had her, problems to deal with. She was an extremely generous soul. Sarita saw no difference in people. She was open to everyone. We hope that sharing this will remind us all that we have many more similarities than differences; we think she would like us to remember that. We miss you very much Sarita. Love, Aunt Judy & Uncle Mike
No Difference
From Where the Sidewalk Ends
by Shel Silverstein
Small as a peanut,
Big as a giant,
We're all the same size
When we turn off the light.
Rich as a sultan.
Poor as a mite,
We're all worth the same
When we turn off the light.
Red, black, or orange,
Yellow or white,
We all look the same
When we turn off the light.
So maybe the way
To make everything right
Is for God to just reach out
And turn off the light!
December 18, 2016
December 18, 2016
You are always loved and missed. Happy Birthday!
I know you are at rest and in peace now.
Love, Marilyn
I know you are at rest and in peace now.
Love, Marilyn
December 16, 2016
December 16, 2016
Beth, My thoughts are with you and Sarita.
November 3, 2016
November 3, 2016
We miss your bright smile and caring heart here in this life Sarita.
November 2, 2016
November 2, 2016
My beloved grand daughter, I have thought of you so many times during this year. One special thing stands out in my many memories of you. It shows what you really were made of. When visiting us in the East we went to a park where there were crafts on sale. We were enjoying a ceramics shop when a customer cut her hand on something. It was bleeding rather badly,so before we knew it you had produced some gauze , antiseptic and went to work cleaning , stopping the bleeding and bandaging the cut . You showed such caring, calmness , empathy and all watching you were impressed with your act of kindness towards a stranger.
You had the same caring attitude for all living creatures and a sensitivity and caring beyond your years. You wrote me sweet little notes at unexpected times, made caring little gifts . Your creativity and artistic talent was remarkable. Are you painting the rainbows now ?
You will always be a credit to the mother, my daughter, who loved you so and helped give you these special qualities.
My darling you have a special place in my heart. So much love,Nana.
You had the same caring attitude for all living creatures and a sensitivity and caring beyond your years. You wrote me sweet little notes at unexpected times, made caring little gifts . Your creativity and artistic talent was remarkable. Are you painting the rainbows now ?
You will always be a credit to the mother, my daughter, who loved you so and helped give you these special qualities.
My darling you have a special place in my heart. So much love,Nana.
November 2, 2016
November 2, 2016
Dear Beth-
I am thinking of you on this heartfelt day, filled with emotion, heavy as a blanket, but whose warmth & remembrance cradles your heart.
On Sunday, Peter recited this poem by Mary Oliver, as he did a year ago, for our Dia De Los Muertos service. This section of it resonated with me and I bring it to mind now as I think of Sarita....
I look upon time as no more than an idea,
and I consider eternity as another possibility,
and I think of each life as a flower, as common
as a field daisy, and as singular.
- Mary Oliver
When Death Comes
I am thinking of you on this heartfelt day, filled with emotion, heavy as a blanket, but whose warmth & remembrance cradles your heart.
On Sunday, Peter recited this poem by Mary Oliver, as he did a year ago, for our Dia De Los Muertos service. This section of it resonated with me and I bring it to mind now as I think of Sarita....
I look upon time as no more than an idea,
and I consider eternity as another possibility,
and I think of each life as a flower, as common
as a field daisy, and as singular.
- Mary Oliver
When Death Comes
December 10, 2015
December 10, 2015
I was saddened to hear about Sarita. She was in my drawing class, she was very talented.
I have one of her drawings and would like to get it to her family. I can be contacted by email, deborah.jenkins@canyons.edu, or leave a message with the switchboard operator.
I have one of her drawings and would like to get it to her family. I can be contacted by email, deborah.jenkins@canyons.edu, or leave a message with the switchboard operator.
November 18, 2015
November 18, 2015
What a wonderful person to have known. I remember when you came home, and I was so thrilled to have you as part of our family. There was so much I was looking forward to sharing with you. Farewell, and may you know peace in the journey ahead.
Love,
Cousin Jason
Love,
Cousin Jason
November 16, 2015
November 16, 2015
Like a flower that begins with a seed and grows to be a most beautiful gift. each leaf, petal,fragrance grows and matures. Sarita, I celebrate every stage of your life. You have touched so many lives in so many different ways. I watched you blossom and so today i celebrate your lire. No living thing ever dies as it is held in the hearts of all who have been touched. you will be forever remember and glow in our heart until the day that we pass on. thank you for being you. with love elissa
November 13, 2015
November 13, 2015
"Sarita, I will always remember you"
Thank you for all the laughs we shared together, thank you for helping me with so much in my life, I will never forget you, Forever with me in my memories
Thank you for all the laughs we shared together, thank you for helping me with so much in my life, I will never forget you, Forever with me in my memories
November 12, 2015
November 12, 2015
Beautiful Sarita,
You will always be in my heart. I will forever hold on to our memories we have created. I will miss seeing your talented art. Thank you for always being a true friend. My heart hurts knowing that your gone, but you will never be forgotten. Rest in paradise beautiful Sarita.
Until we meet again sweet angel.
You will always be in my heart. I will forever hold on to our memories we have created. I will miss seeing your talented art. Thank you for always being a true friend. My heart hurts knowing that your gone, but you will never be forgotten. Rest in paradise beautiful Sarita.
Until we meet again sweet angel.
November 12, 2015
November 12, 2015
Sarita. I have always loved you and cared for you since I met you. And I never thought this could ever happen. I will never forget you. Rest in peace and fly like the swan you are. My condolences go out to the affected family
November 12, 2015
November 12, 2015
Beth, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Sarita was like my own daughter we loved the time we got to spend with her. my family is very sad. we all cared about her sleep my friend until we meet again.
November 12, 2015
November 12, 2015
Beth, I didn't know Sarita at all well, but I want to tell you that I feel sure that you gave her all the love, direction, and security that you could. Erik Felker
November 12, 2015
November 12, 2015
It’s difficult for me to find the words to express how saddened I was to hear that Sarita, my oldest niece, was gone. You can never be prepared to hear something so unexpected and painful that it feels like it breaks your heart. It’s a great loss for all of us who knew and loved her. Sarita touched so many people, in so many different ways. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to have watched her grow up and to have shared a little bit of life together, including our common interests in photography and animals.
As so many have already written, Sarita was a very creative, generous, compassionate, and curious person, who always wanted to connect to the living things around her.
Sarita, we will always miss you deeply and will forever cherish the memory of our time together. May you rest in peace.
Love you Uncle Mike OXOX
As so many have already written, Sarita was a very creative, generous, compassionate, and curious person, who always wanted to connect to the living things around her.
Sarita, we will always miss you deeply and will forever cherish the memory of our time together. May you rest in peace.
Love you Uncle Mike OXOX
November 11, 2015
November 11, 2015
My most memorable moments were about creativity. The art she created with her gloved, sequined hands was unique and amazing. Her drawn artwork was fantastic. She played guitar in my basement, obviously had talent and a love for melody. Yesterday, I heard some music when there should have been none. Probably Sarita playing for me. Miss you little lady.
Love,
Irwin
Love,
Irwin
November 11, 2015
November 11, 2015
We made plans back in September for me to come back down to California so we could get together and get back to doing art together again. Even to start making music together. I remember she was showing me her art and was just so amazed at how creative she was and how easy she made it look. Even me being well known in school as an artist i always struggled to think of ideas of what to draw. I just told her i liked her work. She just looked at me and smiled and i asked what. She said to me alot of her work was inspired by me. That did something special to me. She was special. She was just so different. You knew immediately after meeting her that she really was her own person. And she always stayed true to herself, to her friends and to her hopes and dreams and with everything she did for she went for with such heart and ambition. She was beautiful inside and out, and a creative and artistic soul that was passionate in everything that she did from her art, her music, and the friendships that she made. But the good ones always go.
We'll miss you Sarita
We'll miss you Sarita
November 11, 2015
November 11, 2015
I got to know Sarita when she was at Sequoia. She sang, painted, smiled, was kind to her peers and always a sweet, creative soul. My heart hurts. My deepest condolences...
November 11, 2015
November 11, 2015
Sarita was a classmate and friend of mine during our high school years at Sequoia. She was always positive and caring for others around her, and she always brings out new things for us to enjoy and discover. I am deeply saddened for your loss Beth. May she rest in peace from all of us at Sequoia!
November 11, 2015
November 11, 2015
From her former Principal at Sequoia Charter School: Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Sarita always found the way to shed light on a dark situation. She was spirited and loved by those she touched. I am so sorry to hear her time with us has ended. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time.
~
P Getz,
Valencia, California
Sarita always found the way to shed light on a dark situation. She was spirited and loved by those she touched. I am so sorry to hear her time with us has ended. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time.
~
P Getz,
Valencia, California
November 10, 2015
November 10, 2015
Beth, I want you to know how much we all loved Sarita's years with us at Sequoia. She was such a joy .... a light. Her art & creativity were always such fun to see & have her share with us. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart & sorrow are undone. Sarita was a joy. Please know that I will always remember her ...... always!!!
November 10, 2015
November 10, 2015
I taught Sarita at Sequoia. She was curious, talented and a joy to teach. She always had a drawing, jewelry, even food, to share. I am so sad for your loss. I know she will be missed by so many in the Sequoia community.
November 10, 2015
November 10, 2015
I wish I had known her in recent years. All these tributes show Sarita to have been a wonderful, talented, caring young woman. Nancy and I are so sorry that her bright young life was snuffed out - and for the pain this causes to all close to her. It will leave a hole in your lives that will just be there - something to cherish in her absence. "Like gold into airy thinness beat." (George Herbert)
Love from Uncle Tom & Aunt Nancy
Love from Uncle Tom & Aunt Nancy
November 9, 2015
November 9, 2015
Our hearts go out to her family and friends. Wish we knew her.
Joel Horwitz and Ines Perez
Joel Horwitz and Ines Perez
November 9, 2015
November 9, 2015
My gratitude to my brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Judy Jenkins, for adding to Sarita's stepmother's generous sponsorship, and funding this memorial page to be "forever".
November 9, 2015
November 9, 2015
Beth,
There are not words to describe your sadness at this time. I cherished the Christmas's you and Sarita would spend with us. She was so lucky to have you as a mother in her life! I love you! Hugs my dear friend!
There are not words to describe your sadness at this time. I cherished the Christmas's you and Sarita would spend with us. She was so lucky to have you as a mother in her life! I love you! Hugs my dear friend!
November 8, 2015
November 8, 2015
Sarita's Uncle Mike and Aunt Judy, our dearest friends, told us all about Sarita through the years, and what a talented, spirited and beautiful girl she was. Our hearts are broken to hear of this tragedy. We are keeping Sarita's sister and Mom in our thoughts and prayers, as well as her extended family. Our deepest condolences and sympathy.
Dennis and Sheila Tartaglia
Dennis and Sheila Tartaglia
November 8, 2015
November 8, 2015
Sarita- you brought so much beauty to the lives around you with your art, your insight and your courage to greet the day with a smile. There are no words to express how much you will be missed. I sincerely hope you know that you are loved.
November 8, 2015
November 8, 2015
We lay this flower to symbolize the renewal of spring, and the renewal of life after death. Peace to you, Sarita.
November 8, 2015
November 8, 2015
Beth, our hearts are with you and your family. Sarita was such a beautiful and talented girl. Bob remembers the interesting conversations they had in the car on the way to school. I remember her in the teen group at church and how impressed with her I was when she got up and spoke to the congregation. She will be with you always.
Be at peace, Sarita...be free!
Love, Sally and Bob
Be at peace, Sarita...be free!
Love, Sally and Bob
November 7, 2015
November 7, 2015
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Some of our best memories of Sarita are how she made us laugh in the teen group. She was always inquisitive, fun-loving, and caring.
May the warm memories provide some comfort during this time,
Diane Geary and Kate Honeyman
May the warm memories provide some comfort during this time,
Diane Geary and Kate Honeyman
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
December 16, 2022
December 16, 2022
I remembered it was her birthday today. Shes in my thoughts. I still have the gifts she gave me. She was such a beautiful soul inside and out
November 3, 2022
November 3, 2022
Hi Beth and family and friends of Sarita
Again, I wish myself and Ines knew her.
I just looked at all the beautiful pictures and hope strength has built up to all those who loved and miss her.
Going through our similar loss presently
Again, I wish myself and Ines knew her.
I just looked at all the beautiful pictures and hope strength has built up to all those who loved and miss her.
Going through our similar loss presently
January 27, 2022
January 27, 2022
I had no idea Sarita passed, I was just recently thinking about her, how she was such a wonderful friend to me when i had none. I wanted to reach out to her and came across this page. Sarita was such a beautiful person inside and out. She treated me as if i was her sister. We use to go to Rio together and she approached me because I was alone and asked if i wanted to hangout with her and her friends. We started hanging out everyday and was so generous she would have gifts for me when i came over to hangout. Whenever someone was mean to me, Sarita would have my back and stick up for me. She was the bestest friend anyone could ever dream of having. Because these moments were so special to me and i will always be grateful for them. Sending love and prayers!
Gallery
Seven years later, still think about you often and miss you, Sarita. Love, Aunt Judy and Uncle Mike
Smile, Open your heart, Love... and go on. Until we meet again, Sarita. Luv u!
Sarita's passion was taking care of and helping others; 4 legged or 2 legged. :-)
Aunt in Florida facebook for Sarita
cardinals in trees
003
Sarita & Catherine
Sammi, the cat that Sarita wrote about (see Stories)
Catherine and Sarita, in 2010 on a trip up to Monterey Bay with Judy, Mike & Beth.
Recent stories
A beautiful song I wish she had heard
June 1, 2017
by Beth Jenkins
The below is a version of the REM song "Everybody Hurts", song so beautifully by Usher and the winner this year of The Voice. Although I cry throughout watching the video, I still feel close to her, as I picture myself singing this to her and rocking her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JszPlO41_lo (please copy and paste in your browser)
I will continue to "hold on" to my memories of my baby, and to "hang on". I love you, sweetie.
Mom
having a friend
May 21, 2016
In elementary i didnt have many friends. I knew of her and we talked but we weren't really good friends till 6th grade. We would draw, read, and play games at recess and lunch all of 6th grade. She was always nice. We were always good friends i always thought of her. she will always be apart of who i am. I miss you Sarita. im so happy I met her.
Sarita and the subwoofers
January 23, 2016
by Julia Rhys
I picked Sarita up from school for a while and took her back to her house. I always picked her up in my then boyfriend's cherry red Mustang. He always talked about putting a subwoofer in it, but never had the money. One day I picked up Sarita and I turned up the music for her and asked if she felt anything different. She sort of turned and looked at me as if I was a little crazy before starting to laugh and noticed the sub woofer. He'd gotten it and not told me. It was so nice sharing those little moments with her. Our age difference didn't matter a whole lot and I loved sharing any advice she asked of me.
I loved when she shared her artwork too. It is such a window into her beautiful soul.
Sarita, you inspire me to live life to the fullest and to leave everyone with a warm feeling, listening to people as you did. Thank you for letting me into your life and being as wonderful as you are. You are loved so dearly and I miss you tons.