Leticia (Letty) Anne Castille Haest
A bright light left this world and illuminated heaven in a glorious way.
A true believer in God’s word, Leticia (Letty) Anne Castille Haest, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Letty passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Letty was born on January 8, 1932, to Joseph and Johanna Castille in Houston, Texas. She attended high school at Saint Agnes, where she excelled as a straight-A student and was a cheerleader for Saint Thomas High School. In 1951, Letty was featured in the Houston Chronicle as a “Double Duty Co-Ed,” attending both Rice University and the University of Houston. She was also highlighted for her election as Miss Slipstick by the engineering students at Rice University and membership of the Pallas Athene Literary Society.
At Rice University, Letty met her future husband, Martin J. Haest, from Miami Beach, Florida. They were married on the morning of December 27, 1952, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The Houston Chronicle described her wedding attire: “Her light ivory satin gown was fashioned with a heart-shaped, off-shoulder neckline and bouffant skirt which extended into a full train with a French illusion veil, adorned by her mother’s antique diamond and pearl broach.” This beautiful dress was later worn by two of her daughters-in-law at their weddings.
After the wedding they were off to Newport, Rhode Island where Martin attended Naval Officers School. They began their new life together in a one-bedroom apartment in a converted coach house directly across the street from the Vanderbilt’s summer cottage, The Breakers.
Letty was a loving wife and an exceptional mother and Mimaw. She was strong in her faith, and her moral compass is seen in all her children and grandchildren. She also passed on her sharp, witty, dry sense of humor. She used to joke that her two favorite hobbies were Bible study and tennis. She was a force on the clay tennis courts at Northwood Country Club in Dallas. Letty was also an avid card player and seldom lost; playing Gin Rummy with Mimaw was a favorite activity of her grandchildren. She later became a master at puzzles, often staying up late to complete a puzzle or two with family. She was a devout Catholic and a pillar of the Catholic community, giving her time generously to the church. She also enjoyed the beach, golf, sailing and driving fast.
Her favorite activity was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Martin and Letty began a tradition 30 years ago of taking the entire family on memorable summer vacations. Letty continued this tradition after Martin’s death, which kept the family close and cemented strong bonds between her grandchildren.
Letty was preceded in death by her loving husband, Martin J. Haest, and her son, Martin J. Haest Jr. She is survived by her daughter Anne Marie Riggs and her sons John Haest, James Haest, and Barry Haest. Her daughters-in-law Jami Haest, Maryalice Haest, and Tracy Haest, and her loving grandchildren, Julie Resnick and husband Dan, Marty Haest the III and wife Cris, Katie Duncan and her husband Michael Duncan, Matthew Riggs, Lexi Haest, Harrison Haest and his wife Jill Haest, Elleri Haest, Hannah Haest, Cammie Haest, Nathan Clark, Sam Haest, Mariel Haest, and her great-grandchildren Joey Duncan and Henry Duncan, Chloe Resnick, Mae Resnick, Vance Resnick, Devon Haest and Orion Haest.
A celebration of Letty’s life will be held on August 24th at 2 PM in the chapel at Manor Park (5212 Sinclair Ave, Midland, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Manor Park, St. Stephen’s Catholic Church or Interim Hospice.
Letty’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to her caregivers Martha, Odelia, Patricia, Jessica, Minerva, and Mandy for their loving and constant support of our mom. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
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Wendy Vickery
left a message on June 30, 2024:
