Marlena Isabel Castillo Doherty

Marlena Isabel Castillo Doherty, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was called home to our Lord on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the age of 71, surrounded by family. She was born on Tuesday, August 4, 1953, in Belize City, Belize to the late Epifanio Castillo and Ena Arguelles Castillo.

Marlena grew up in Belize, moving to New Orleans in 1972, and living there until a recent move to Ponchatoula. Marlena graduated from St. Catherine’s Academy in Belize and attended the University of New Orleans where she met her husband. She was a devout Catholic and an active member of the People of Praise Christian community.

Marlena was a loving wife and homemaker for many years. She was also an accomplished, award-winning artist and retired as an administrative assistant for the People of Praise after 30 years.

Marlena fought a long and courageous battle with lupus starting 45 years ago. The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help and care given by her doctors over the years, including most recently the staff of North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, Louisiana.

Marlena is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Stephen Doherty; children, Joanna Salone (Mike) and Michael Doherty; sisters, Enita (Henry), Ysela (Rick), Rosario (David), Flor (John), and Mireya (Ricardo) and brothers, Tony (Sue) and Miguel (Michelle), as well as her foster grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins.

In addition to her parents, Marlena was preceded in death by her brother, Renan Castillo, and mother-in-law, Sylvia Joyner Doherty

Family and friends will be received at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 255 North 8th Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454 on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm.

A Service and Funeral Mass will be held following visitation at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 255 North 8th Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454 on Saturday at 1:00 pm.

Interment will follow at Rosaryville Cemetery in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.