Rosy Texas

ROSY GREGORY CASTILLEJA

May 24, 1962 – November 21, 2017

Rosy Gregory Castilleja, beloved sister, aunt, friend, respected and beloved community advocate, passed away peacefully in Laredo on Tuesday, November 21, 2017, surrounded by her family and friends.

Rosy was an amazing person who was happy to give of her time to the causes she loved the best.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Castilleja; mother: Laura B. Gregory; father: Johnny J. Gregory; brother Rudy Gregory; uncles, Rodolfo Barrientos, and Roberto Barrientos.

Left behind to cherish her memories are her family: Nancy (Arturo) Nava, Mary (+ Claudio) Fox, Johnny (Myrna) Gregory, Alicia Gregory, Joe (Petra) Gregory, Nilda Gregory Salinas; uncle: Antonio (†Maria Elena) Barrientos, Eva Barrientos; several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Rosy was a truly amazing person that took the value of serving her brethren without expecting a reward or payback.

Rosy was encouraged to pursue public service by her father, Johnny Gregory’s philosophy of helping people that needed a guiding hand.

Rosy started her vision of separating drinking from driving on May 3, 1981 when her best friend was killed by an intoxicated truck driver.

In 1983, she started a program called Bridging the Gap where DWI Defendants listened to the importance of complying with probation and pursuing a sober way of living. Through the Bridging the Gap program victims told their stories about their loved ones who have been injured or killed needlessly at the hands of the intoxicated drivers.

In June 1985, she began teaching driver’s education at the Sunshine American Driving School where she started to educate teens and the public on the valuable tools of driving sober.

By 1987, she headed the chapter of Mother’s Against Drunk Driving.

In 1988, she became a Texas Certified DWI Education Instructor and in 1990 she became a Certified Drug Offender Instructor.

From 1988 until 2002, she started speaking to high school students on the dangers of drunk driving and started “Operation Graduation”, where she and several volunteers would be available in the evening to morning hours on prom night to coordinate safe rides for students attending prom.

Since 1995 to the present day, she served in the council of the Laredo Convention Visitor’s Bureau; coordinated the San Carlos Mission Christmas Trail Ride and Fun Fest for many years and became an Ambassador to the San Antonio Stock and Rodeo Show.

In 2000, she opened Gregory’s Interlock of South Texas (now Gregory Smart Start) and started the “Friends of San Carlos Mission Turkey Drive” along with the RPM Motorcycle Club.

In March 2011, Rosy became the founder and director of the “Friends of Jaime J. Zapata Memorial Bust and Scholarship Fund.” This organization has raised monies for scholarships for our youth and promotes a drug free society.

In 2014, she was elected a board member for Laredoans Against Drunk Driving and served in the position of Vice President until the day she passed.

On November 15, 2017, she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Honorable Victor Villarreal in appreciation for her leadership and contribution to the DWI Program of the Webb County at Law, No. 2.

Everyone will always remember Rosy as being a cheerful and positive person who was always willing to help anyone and everyone in need. Rosy will be deeply missed by her family, friends and the entire community. Rosy’s memory will forever be cherished by the many lives she touched.

Rosy’s family would like to thank all of her dear friends who have helped her throughout her illness: Lily de la Pena, Barbara Long, Carmen Garcia, Elizabeth Alonzo-Villarreal, Ileana Pedraza, Cristina Estrada, Mayte Schumacher, Hope Fernandes, Yolanda and Andres Galvan, Canti Flores, Rodolfo “Rudy” Morales III, Manuel de Jesus Osorio, Sandra Hernandez, Amador and Mary Zapata, Francisco “Chico” Javier Gonzalez, Nora Moreno, Nora Martinez, her trailrider friends—La Sita Rose from Laredo, La Sita Trailriders from San Antonio and the Cabalgata Grande Trailriders.

Rosy’s life wouldn’t have been complete without the care of her amazing physicians who guided her medical necessities: Dr. Luis M. Benavides, Dr. Selena Stewart, Dr. Eduardo Miranda as well as their nursing and support staff for their care and support, especially during her last months.

A kindred spirit has returned to her creator, where she leaves behind the memories and the wonderful legacy that will hopefully continue in this amazing community.

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:23”

In Lieu of customary floral remembrances, Rosy’s memory may continue with a heartfelt donation to Laredoan’s Against Drunk Driving at www.supportladd.org or by mail at 117 Illinois St., Laredo, TX 78041

You are cordially invited to a Celebration of Rosy’s Life on Saturday, the 25th of November, 2017 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., where a Liturgy of the Word will be celebrated at 3 p.m. by Rev. Msgr. James Harris in the chapel.

A private cremation and interment will be held at a later date.

We invite you to share your stories online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, TX 78041, 956.722.8850