Cecilia “Chechi” Fragoso died peacefully in her home in Willows on the morning of Tuesday, April 29, 2025, following a battle with cancer that she faced with remarkable strength and grace.
She received her diagnosis in October of 2024. Throughout her journey, her unwavering love and commitment to her family inspired everyone around her, and will long continue to provide comfort and motivation.
She was born and raised in Colusa to Ralph and Mary Castanon on July 9, 1953. She graduated from Colusa High School in 1972, and shortly after married her lifelong love, Lorenzo Fragoso, celebrating 53 incredible years together in February.
After a brief time in Ukiah, they made Willows their home for 49 beautiful years. There, they raised four daughters and nurtured numerous grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Lorenzo Fragoso; daughters Lorina of Willows, Francisca of Willows, Leticia (Rafael) of Richvale, and Fabiana (William) of Santa Clarita; grandchildren Casara, Elias, Maria, Adriana, Noah, Owain, Sage, Xavier, Alejandro, Gabriel, Lila, Lincoln, Jonah, Teddy, and Stella; great-grandchildren Jayden, Alina, Nevaeh, Leighana, Brooklynn, Matteo, Cecilia, Elisea, K’otisa, Kae’Lani, and soon-to-be-born Sophia; and siblings Susanna Knighten and Ralph Castanon, Jr.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Ralph S. Castanon; and sister Louana Powell.
A celebration of her beautiful life is planned for 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at the Colusa Veterans Hall, 108 East Main Street. Her loved ones encourage all to “cherish the memories and the light Cecilia shared with us.”
They find comfort in the biblical quote, “And the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
The Glenn County Observer 