Vanessa Marie Castillo

Vanessa Marie Castillo was born on August 22, 1986 in Aurora, Colorado and passed away in her home in Wheat Ridge, Colorado on January 20, 2022 after her long 2-year battle with breast cancer. Vanessa was surrounded by her family, daughter and so much love when she passed. Vanessa graduated from Jefferson High School in 2004 where she was on the volleyball and tennis teams and did cheerleading. She also played softball for many years. Vanessa is survived by her daughter, Alaya Salankey, her mother Cynthia S. Ortega, her biological father, Carlos Castillo, her step-dad Demetrius J. Ortega, her grandmothers, Amy Castillo, Antonia Whatley, Adelaide Ortega, her brother Tristan Ortega, sister Nicole Lemme, (brother in-law John Lemme), niece Taylor Lemme, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and her dog Bentley. She is proceeded in death by her Grandpa Felipe Castillo, Grandpa Raymond Whatley, Grandpa Paul Ortega and Uncle Steve Montour. Vanessa was an amazing caring, loving, free-spirited beautiful soul who loved the outdoors. The love of her life was her daughter Alaya, she loved spending time with her and taking her to the park. Vanessa loved riding her bike, walking her dog Bentley, camping and hiking 14ers, where she has hiked 12 so far. She also loved to travel and some of her favorite places were Spain, Belgium, Chicago, Yosemite, Moab and the great Sand Dunes. Vanessa went to Esthetician school and began working and helping people feel and look good about themselves. She also worked at Home Instead working with the elderly, she had a special place in her heart for the elderly as one of her very first jobs in life was working at a nursing home. A Celebration of Vanessa’s Life will be on February 19, 2022 from 12-3 pm at Prospect Hall, 6363 W. 35th Avenue in Wheat Ridge. All are welcome to attend to share stories of her amazing and beautiful life.