May 18, 2011

 

 

 

Artesia News

Original Punisher passes away


Georgina Castaneda Rubio had a natural talent to play softball; eventually working her way to become the Artesia Punishers' first catcher.  Georgina passed away due to an illness at the age of 28 on February 24.

Rubio, born March 13, 1982 was raised and cared for in Artesia from the age of 7 by her Aunt Patty Castaneda.

Patty recounted how Georgina loved gameshows so much that she would even say cliche game phrases in her sleep, like "Give me a vowel, Vanna."

Though Georgina lived under the roof of Patty's parents, it was Patty who acted the mom, attending PTA meetings and taking her to school.  "Even though she was my niece, I raised her like she was my daughter."

While in Faye Ross, Georgina's smile was so captivating that her fellow students voted her as having Most Beautiful Smile.

Georgina's love of softball began at the age of 4, when she played for Artesia Pee Wee Cubs.  She took her time running around the bases until one day, at 8 years old and to the surprise of everyone, Georgina zipped around the bases like a cheetah.

Her game improved and she joined the Artesia Punisher travel team in its first year.  She was the team's catcher when it took the AFA National Championsips in Vernon, Connecticut in August 1995.

"To see her throw out someone on second base was amazing," recounted Patty.

Georgina is survived by her young sons Joshua and Manuel whom she loved dearly.  They were the loves of her life.  Her kind ways and beautiful smile will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

 

 

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