Marie Perezcastaneda
In Loving Memory of Marie Perezcastañeda March 27, 1956 – March 24, 2025
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Marie, who left this world peacefully on Monday, March 24, 2025. Born on March 27, 1956, in Santa Ana, California, she was a woman of unwavering love, strength, and compassion. She dedicated her life to her family, her work, and her faith, always putting others before herself. Whether it was through her kind words, selfless actions, or warm embrace, she had a remarkable way of making everyone around her feel seen, heard, and deeply valued. Her presence was a gift, and her legacy of kindness and generosity will live on in the many lives she touched.
She found joy in gardening, nurturing flowers and plants with the same love and care she gave to those around her. She had a passion for dancing her whole life, and was infamous for winning a few dance competitions as well as dancing on American Bandstand and Boss City. One of her greatest joys was riding on the back of her husband Eddie’s Harley, feeling the wind in her hair as they traveled the open road together. These moments brought her happiness, and those who knew her will forever cherish the memories of her laughter and love for life.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Eddie, her daughter, Geneva, and her cherished grandchildren: Courtney, Devya, Tahriah, Izziak, Micah, Quinton, Emmanuel, Desmond, Anier, and Myles. She was deeply loved by her family and friends, who will forever hold her memory close. That love will live on in the annual family reunion she spearheaded to bring the family together.
For 38 years, she dedicated herself to her work at UCI, where she not only made a lasting impact professionally but also formed lifelong bonds with her colleagues. After retiring, her generous spirit led her to volunteer at the Orange County Rescue Mission, where she continued to touch the lives of many. Her faith was her foundation, and we take comfort in knowing she is now in heaven dancing with the angels.
Her kindness, warmth, and unwavering love will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
A celebration of her life will be held on April 7 at 4:30pm at Saddleback Chapel (220 E Main St, Tustin, CA 92780), followed on April 8 at 10am with funeral services at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery (7845 Santiago Cyn Rd, Orange, CA 92869). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Orange County Rescue Mission, reflecting her lifelong dedication to helping others.
Rest in paradise, Marie. Your love and light will forever shine in our hearts.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Oh Cuzzie you will be missed deeply! I can’t even begin to tell you how thankful I am that you started are Lopez Family reunion so many years ago with just a few cousins having a BBQ at the park. I am glad you were able to see how big the reunion got over the years! That was all you Cuzzie! Myself and the rest of the Cuzzies will continue to have the Lopez Family Reunion in you Honor alongside Grandma and Grandpa and our parents! Love you Cuzzie until we meet again on the other side! Please tell my mama I love her! ❤️
RIP.. Marie
I was fortunate enough to have known Marie when I worked with her at UCI. Marie was in incredibly compassionate, yet powerful leader. She treated everyone like we were her family and we mattered. She made the world a better place and she will be missed dearly. Every day we can all try to be more like Marie and care for everyone. Sending much love to her family. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Aunt Rachel & Steve & Lisa has purchased Eco-Friendly Memorial Trees for Marie Perezcastaneda
Marie, I'm so glad I had the pleasure of knowing you. You were always there for my mom and Bro Ruben as his nina. I have many memories with you and your family. I hope you are at Peace. You will be truly missed! ❤️🙏🏽
Mommy your love for the Lord and your family will go unmatched. Matthew 11:29 explains that you took the yoke of Jesus helping the homeless and now you rest in His arms. I will see you in Heaven Momma!
Marie, you were an amazing Director at U.C.I You truly cared for everyone who worked alongside you with your endless drive to help each of us succeed in our careers. There was many times you would take a step aside from that position to be a friend and a true sister in the Lord to help me through Some tough and trying times! Your unwavering faith and true love of Christ shined through you always.
I will see you at HOME 🙏🏼💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
Words can’t describe the feelings of sadness of your passing and gratitude of knowing you.
Rest in peace my friend and mentor.
NACS Lab Guys has purchased Eco-Friendly Memorial Trees for Marie Perezcastaneda
Darla B and Melanie M has purchased Eternal Solace for Marie Perezcastaneda
My Dear Comadre ❤️ we had known each other over 50 years. Starting when the school bus would pick us up to Teen Mothers. You had Clyde and I had Raechel. As the years pass our relationship grew. I was supposed to be in your wedding when marrying my compadre Eddie. But I was not able because I was pregnant with Vanessa and was my due date. Until I had Ruben and asked you and Eddie if you would baptized him. Which you both did. You were always there for Ruben and my family. You just had a heart of Gold 💛 You were more like a sister to me which I never had one. You will surely be missed but not forgotten my dear precious friend, sister and Comadre. Loving you till eternity ❤️🩹
Aunt Marie’s laugh was iconic. I will forever be grateful for her example of love, kindness, generosity and understanding. 💛
rest in peace Marie
I first met Marie in January of 1995 when she and Cathy McFarlane interviewed me for an Analyst position in Electronic Communication Services (ECS). She hired me and taught me her budgeting and reporting style. She took me under her wing. I later learned that she was my Sister in Christ, and indeed, we were lifetime/eternal friends.
Marie was an excellent mentor, teacher, and leader. She could see and nurture the potential in everybody. All who worked with her would agree. She was the “Work Mom.” She was ready to help whoever came to her, whether for work or personal issues.
Working alongside Marie was an adventure! She made work as fun as possible. She took work seriously, but also took her Business Office Staff to lunch to celebrate birthdays, took us to the Shake Shack, and even to Roger’s Gardens. Working for NACS/OIT was like working as a family, and Marie furthered that atmosphere by inviting staff’s families to attend the annual Christmas party. Marie was truly one-of-a-kind! I am surely BLESSED to have worked for Marie; indeed, my family was blessed, and I am so glad that we’ll spend eternity together enjoying Our Lord and reminiscing about our OIT Adventures.