Marie Elsie Magras Castellanos was born on St. Thomas Aug. 12, 1930, to Anne Marie and Louis Magras. She attended Sts. Peter and Paul School, and worked at several established businesses Including Beretta’s Jewelry Store, Hayes Deptartment Store, as well as the V.I. Apothecary. Elsie married Jose R Castellanos, a native of the Dominican Republic. They had one son, Josef Castella nos, who served in the USAF and is now retired.
Mrs. Castellanos was fluent in both French and English, and served as a liaison for many of her neighbors and friends. Elsie was an excellent resource person. She was a seamstress; did straw work; visited and took neighbors to doctors, translating when necessary. Her last years were spent in service to others, dedicating the rest of her life to solitude and prayer.
Elsie Castellanos was predeceased by her husband, Jose R castellanos, and her two brothers, L.ouis Fernando Magras and Louis Randolph Magras. She is survived by her son, Jose F Castellanos Sr. and his wife, Suellen,( residing in Texas); sisters: Joyce M. Magras (retired and residing in New Jersey) and beloved Annette I. Magras, who lovingly took care of her to the last ( a retired native of St. Thomas).
Elsie’s son, Jose, honored his mother with the following children and their heirs: grandson, Jose F Castellanos Jr., his wife Heather and four great-grandchildren (all residing in Texas); Christopher D Castellanos, wife,Stacy and their three children (residing in Mississippi); Erika Castellanos Goshcha and husband Joshua (residing in Mississippi); Jason A Smith (residing in Florida); and Alisha Smith Higgins, husband Billy and family (residing in Texas).
She is also survived by brothers: L. Fernando {deceased), wife Donna and six children, and 14grandchildren; and Randolph {deceased),,wife Kathleen, six children and 13 grandchildren.. Both leave 10 great-great grand-children. Other survivors include special friends::Geraldine Bernier, Francilla Gumbs, Rafaela Danet, Edwin "Pinky" Olive, Doreen Warden,and Florie Magras; special relatives: Harry Quetel, Dora Cerge, Joan Quetel and Doris Sewel. Special thanks to Dr. Flower, Dr. Lu and Dr. Nutter; special godchildren: Alicia Vante, Donna M Greaux, Jerry Gumbs and Joyce Magras. May our beloved Elsie rest in peace. The viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, at John Thomas Memorial Home. A second will be held from 8-8:50 a.m. at the John Thomas Funeral Home on Monday, April 8. This will be followed by transfer of the body to the St. Ann Chapel for open viewing from 9-9:55 a.m. The casket will be closed, and Holy Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated. Interment will be at the cemetery.
All arrangements are by John Thomas Memorial Chapel.
