Angela Arguello

My name is Angela Argüello and I passed away peacefully in the comfort of my daughter’s home, all while being showered with love by my whole family, on Saturday, May 25, 2024. I was born in 1944 in San José, Costa Rica to Mariano and Isolina (Navarette) Argüello. I was one of six vivacious children. I got married and moved to the United States in 1965 and settled in Norwalk, Connecticut. Not long after arriving, I became a single mom to not one, not two or three, but eventually four precious children! 

It wasn't easy raising them entirely on my own, but I gave it my all. I worked tirelessly at many different jobs over the years – as an accountant, at a bakery, as a cosmetologist, as a house cleaner, as a self-employed nanny, and most recently, as an Uber driver. No matter how hard things got, I was determined to afford to live in a town with the finest public schools so my children would have every opportunity to succeed in their own lives.

Though I worked long hours, I ensured our home was always filled with love, music, and laughter. I loved putting on my bold red lipstick, blasting my favorite music, and dancing with my family around the house to the sounds coming from the little radio on top of our fridge or from my extensive record collection. Those little moments of fun kept me going. I was passionate about dancing! I especially loved to move to the salsa hits of Eddie Santiago or Grupo Niche at La Cascada or Los Chinos in Port Chester. It was my great escape.  

Being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was my greatest joy, but I also felt immense purpose in my work, especially as a nanny caring for children with special needs and the elderly. I treated every person I cared for as my own. I advocated fiercely for them and showered them with patience and unconditional love.

To my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, brother, and all those dear friends who became like family, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of my incredible journey. Though I may be gone from this earth, my fierce and joyful spirit will live on in you. 

I love you my precious children Richard Alberto Gairaud, Ginette Castro and my dear son-in-law Beto, and Cristina Angelica Serra and my dear son-in law Jesse. Miss me but let me go my cherished grandchildren Michael Gairaud and your precious Betsy Rossman, Jahson Gairaud, Abraham Gairaud and your precious Mercedes Selene, Autumn Gairaud, Lee Montano and your precious Amalie Montano, Lucia Castro, Andrew Castro, Vincent DeJesus, Mateo Castro, and Lucas Castro. I adore you, my beautiful great-grandchildren Asher and Charlotte, and my precious one who is still in Mommy’s belly. Farewell to my sisters and brother, Miriam Argüello, wife of Mariano Arguello, Carlota Amador, and your handsome Armando, Javier Francisco Argüello, and your beautiful Kattia Obando Venegas. Find comfort in knowing I am reunited with those who have left this world before me. Hello again to mama, papa, and precious son Eddie Alberto Gairaud, my dear sister Aura Carcamo, and my dear brother Mariano Argüello. Take good care of my grand dogs Beats, Indica, Roxy, and Rosy. 

This spitfire of a lady has flown off on her next grand adventure! I've left a trail of red lipstick kisses wherever I've gone. Follow that trail and keep living life to the fullest just like I did. ¡Pura vida!

Instead of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Angela’s name are asked to consider: 

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CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates For Children)

415 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite D2

Wayne, NJ 07470

CASA of Passaic and Union Counties is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that champions the best interests of child victims of abuse and/or neglect who become involved in the child welfare and court systems through no fault of their own.