Cecilia Castro Araujo

Cecilia Castro Araujo, 86, passed away on March 29, 2025. Born in the country of Portugal (Sopo, Vila Nova de Cerveira) on September 8, 1938. Cecilia's journey brought her to the United States in 1974, where she embraced the life that awaited her in Newark, New Jersey, before later settling in Union in 2003.

Cecilia's career was a testament to her strong work ethic and resilience. She began her professional journey as a seamstress in Newark. Later, she transitioned to the role of a machine operator in an electrical factory (Mulberry Metal Products) in Union, where she worked diligently until her retirement in September 2008. Her dedication and commitment to her work were admired by all who knew her.

Cecilia is survived by her daughter Paula Couto and her husband Agostinho Couto, son Manuel Araujo and his partner Anabela Silva, brother Fernando Castro, sister Maria Clara Batista and her husband Manuel Batista, granddaughter Cristina Froonjian and her husband Daniel Froonjian, grandson Jason Couto, great-grandson Landon Froonjian, great-granddaughter Olivia Froonjian, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loving dog Cody, who she cherished.

Cecilia is predeceased by her late husband Valentim M. Araujo, brothers Joaquim Castro and Amadeu Castro, and sister Alvarina Araujo.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cecilia was a pillar of love and warmth within her family. Her family-oriented nature shone brightly in her everyday life; she spent countless joyful moments with her great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished for generations to come. Cecilia was also known for her kind personality, always bringing a gentle touch to those around her. An avid gardener, she would transform any patch of dirt into a blossoming sanctuary. Her nurturing spirit extended into her kitchen, where she honed her culinary skills, with flan being her specialty. She took joy in the simple pleasures of life and showed her organized nature in activities such as ironing and cleaning. She also enjoyed going for walks, and attended church regularly as a dedicated Catholic. Cecilia's love for travel allowed her to experience beautiful places such as her home country of Portugal, as well as visiting Aruba, and Wildwood. Her warm smile and giving heart touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impact on her friends, family, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Cecilia's legacy will continue to live on through her family, whose lives she enriched with her unwavering love and devotion. A visitation will be held at Galante Funeral Home on Thursday, April 3, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, located at 2800 Morris Avenue, Union. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Michael's Church on Friday, April 4th at 10:15am, 1212 Kelly St, Union, NJ. Entombment in Hollywood Memorial Park will follow mass, located at 1500 Stuyvesant Ave, Union.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to make donations in honor of Cecilia and her giving nature to her favorite charity of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by clicking here.