Poughquag- Reinelda "Nelda" Landa-Castillo was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She entered heaven peacefully into the loving arms of her dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 26, 2024, at age 75.

Nelda was born on July 20, 1948 in Bogota, Colombia. She was the only daughter to the late Moises Castillo and Ines Julia Muñoz. She grew up in Cundinamarca, Colombia for 18 years before moving to Brooklyn, NY. A resident of Somers, NY since 2020, Nelda also resided in Queens, NY, Virginia Beach, VA, Zelienople, PA, Frederick, MD, San Antonio, TX, Greenacres, FL, Hopewell Junction and Poughquag, NY to be near her family.

A very independent and determined woman, Nelda attained an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration, Occupational Studies from Plaza Business Institute within a short time of coming to the U.S. She held various administrative positions including Stenographer for NY State Justice Dept., Administrative Assistant for Excelsior Management Real Estate and Archives Security Administrator for St. John's University before medically retiring in 1994.

Nelda's strong will and spiritual faith has carried her throughout the years. Overcoming breast cancer in 1991 and in 2021, and a terminal brain tumor in 1994, Nelda was truly a warrior.

Living life with full compassion, Nelda enjoyed meeting people and making them laugh. She was a sweet lady with a fierce side to her. She was opinionated and expressed herself well. She had a genuine love for music, nature, birds and gardening. She loved to dance and cook. More than anything, she loved her four children - Daphne Balducci, Reina Sadler, Francis and Maye Landa.

Nelda's aunt, Angelica Muñoz, cousin, Maureen Teahan and four stepchildren – Ingmar Landa-Morante, Henning Landa, Erland Landa and Grinnet Foxton, also held a special place in her heart. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Anabel, Carina, Elias, Emery, Robert and Roman.

Nelda was deeply loved by those who knew her. She will be greatly missed and will live in our hearts forever.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 @ 12pm at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1925 Rt.82. LaGrangeville, NY. Interment at Fishkill Rural Cemetery 801 Rt.9, Fishkill, NY @ 3pm.