It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Leyla del Pilar del Castillo Rodriguez on the morning of May 12, 2024 at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. She is survived by her loving husband Daniel Casal Prieto, her two sons Daniel (Jennifer) and David (Vedrana) and granddaughters Matea and Eva. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt who always put her family first.
Born in Cuba to Pedro Manuel del Castillo Fernandez and Leyla de la Caridad Rodriguez Oliva, she came from a big family which included her six siblings: Pedro Francisco, Francisco, Ana Maria, Maritza, Kenia and Pedro Agustin. She obtained her law degree at the University of Havana and quickly entered the workforce. Upon marriage and having her kids, her and Daniel made the difficult decision to leave Cuba for Canada for a better life. For the last 21 years, she lived a full and wonderful life, surrounded by friends and family. She will be deeply missed for her nurturing and giving nature and her ability to turn any situation positive. May she rest in peace.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at St Patrick's Basilica (220 Kent St, Ottawa) on Wednesday, May 29 at 10:30 a.m. followed by an Interment and Reception at Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa). For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Leyla, please consider doing so to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
Digital Guestbook
Dennis Kane
Caridad Cruz Vilain
My beautiful friend Leyla del Pilar del Cadtillo
Claudia Casal Toledo
Describing Leyla (Lily, how I used to call her) is really hard, because she was lots of things at the same time: expansion, light, supportive, resilient. But something that she did with an extreme perfection was being a mother and an excellent wife. This hole will never be filled, but I promisse you something, I will make sure to stick around from now and ever. Love you always.
Mercedes Pena
My great and faithful friend Leyla. Perfect wife, mother, and grandma. In love and always dedicated to her family. Sweet, intelligent with a big heart. Always helping everyone that came her way. Fighting for her life until the last moment. You are a shooting star that will shine forever in our hearts. I just want to tell you that you will always have a place in my heart. When a friend leaves an immense empty is left that cannot be filled by the arrival of another friend. I love you forever.
Ana De la Paz
Thank you for all you did for my aunt. Your job doesn’t go unnoticed.
Posner Family
NUESTROS CORAZONES Y ALMAS ESTAN DESTROZADOS POR LA PERDIDA FISICA DE NUESTRA QUERIDA PRIMA Leylita pero desde ahora nos estamos concentrando en los lindos momentos vividos junto a ella y su linda familia es muy duro saber que no la podemos abrazar pero vivira en nuestros corazones por siempre EPD PRIMA QUERIDA 🙏🙏🙏
Ana de la Paz
Tia, verte irte ha sido sin dudas unas de las cosas mas dificiles que me ha tocado vivir.
No te digo adios, se que nos volveremos a encontrar, mientras ese momento llegue viviras en mi, en los primos, en tio, en las bebas y en todos los que tuvieron la dicha de conocerte.
He pensado mucho en nuestro tiempo juntas, me siento enormemente afortunada por nuestra familia, y en especial por haber tenido una tia como tu, una tia todoterreno, con la que podias contar para absolutamente cualquier cosa (fugas de escuela, planeadora de fiestas y paseos bajo tormentas, peluquera, estilista, confidente y amiga)
Siempre haciendonos felices, siempre dando tu amor incondicional.
Hay pocos recuerdos que me hagan reir mas que los que compartimos juntas, y asi te voy a llevar siempre en mi corazon, sonriendo juntas.
Tus ultimas palabras a mi fueron "Te amo mas princesa" y eso lo dice todo, siempre dando mas, siempre dandolo todo. Te amo mi titi, donde quiera que estes sigues siendo mi idolo.
Kenia del Castillo
Gracias Leyli por ser parte de mi vida. Tu alegria, valentia, fortaleza y entrega viviran por siempre en mi. Gracias Leyli.
Canet-Cordero Family
Durante cinco largos años nuestras Familias estuvieron injustamente separadas. Y esa espera nos unio mas.
Leyla y Odalys junto a sus Hijos sufrieron juntos ese dolor. Finalmente despues de este tiempo estuvimos unidos todos ya aqui en Canada. En 2005 nacio nuestro Hijo Christopher y Leyla y Daniel son sus Padrinos.
Nos unimos en el dolor de su perdida.
Andric Family
Dear Leyla, Thank you for a beautiful personality, gentle words and great care you gave to all around you. We are very thankful for the way how you treated our daughter (your daughter in law). You'll stay forever in our hearts and minds.
I will be there with guest