Manuela "Mela" Castel (nee Castillo)

Age 92, of St. John, formerly of Griffith, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

Manuela is survived by her loving children, Rojelio (Vickie) Castel Jr., Anthony Castel, Barbara (Randy) Chavez, Elaine (Bill) Spitz, Christine Castel, and Carolyn (Mike) Robinson; along with 36 cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Rojelio "Romeo" Castel; loving son, John Castel.

Manuela dedicated her life to caring for others, working as a nurse from 1974 until her retirement at the age 60. She proudly served at St. Mary Medical Center and Franciscan St. Margaret Health, South Campus.

A true lover of learning, Manuela was an avid reader who especially enjoyed mysteries and history. Her greatest joy, however, was spending time with her family-often gathered around the table for a good game of bridge - playing for quarters and sharing laughter that filled the room. Her family especially looked forward to her homemade Christmas tamales every year, a treasured tradition that brought everyone together.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday, October 13, 2025, at  Solan – Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave., Schererville, Indiana. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30AM on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with visitation lying in state beginning at 10:00 AM, directly at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 1 W. Wilhelm St., Schererville, IN. Burial will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Crown Point, IN.

Manuela will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.