Prof. Debra Castillo, comparative literature, was announced dead at 72 on Oct. 5.
In the wake of her death, Castillo's children, colleagues, former students and collaborators remember her with affection, admiring her welcoming nature, compassion and commitment to mentorship.
Originally from Wisconsin, Castillo moved to Ithaca in 1985. During her time at Cornell, Castillo extended open arms to her students. Her daughter, Melissa Castillo-Garsow, told The Sun that she would host students who did not have a place to spend the holidays in her own home.
