Maria Estrada

Our mother, Maria Estrada, was born on June 16, 1931 in a Tinguindin, Michoacan. Her father, Jose Maria, was a farmer. He had avocado orchards and her mother, Trini, was a housewife. Mom was the 2nd oldest of 9; Carmen, Maria, Leonardo, Roberto, Javier, Margarita, ,Raul, Carlos, and Rosa. She is survived by Javier, Raul, Carlos, and Rosa. Growing up she studied with the local nuns, but didn't really enjoy school. She preferred singing, riding a horse, or listening to her half-brother "Chema" play his guitar. Her father taught her to be independent and to fend for herself by teaching her how to shoot a gun, ride horses, and be wise to people's intentions. She often helped him collect the money when selling avocados.

Mom met her husband, our father, Jesus Estrada Alonzo, as children. They both grew up in Tinguindin and were neighbors. They married on May 27, 1950. Mom was 18 and Dad was 19. They raised 7 children: Jorge, Rosalva, Felipe, Martha, Silvia, Leticia, and Lidia.

Mom sacrificed everything for her children. After one of her pregnancies, she developed a hernia. Doctors recommended her to have it removed, but she refused thinking who would care for her children. She thought caring for them was the most important thing. Dad came to the states for better opportunities and worked in Texas for about two years, sending Mom money regularly. These years were the toughest on Mom. During this period, she fell ill and contracted a serious disease, I believe Scarlet Fever, and was bed ridden for a number of months. She was weak and couldn't walk. She leaned heavily on her two oldest kids, Jorge and Rosalva to help care for the younger ones. Luckily, Mom fully recovered.

Dad made it back to Mexico and told Mom life in the states had much more potential to make a good life for their family. Mom, Dad, and all 6 children moved to Los Angeles in 1964. They had their last child, Lidia in 1965. Dad had taught himself English while he lived in Texas, and now was able to get hired as a union laborer. He worked hard for many years. In 1970 they purchased their first home. All their children graduated high school and attended college.

Mom and Dad would have been married for 71 years this May. Unfortunately, Dad died in 2007. He had a heart attack on their 57th anniversary, after returning from a trip from Texas. Mom was devastated after losing her life-long friend and husband. Fortunately, she had all of us to give her love, support, and assistance.

After some years, Mom was able to smile again and renew her love of life. She took annual Summer trips to Mexico with Leticia, and continued to work on her flower garden. Holidays were once again enjoyed and we'd always remember Dad and share fond memories of him.

Fourteen years after our Dad's death, Mom died from septic shock. She suddenly developed a gallbladder infection, which her immune system was unable to fight off, ultimately resulting in the infection entering her bloodstream. She passed away peacefully at Kaiser Hospital in Downey, California on Friday, March 12, 2021. She was surrounded by her sons, daughters, and grandchildren. She is deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Glendale, California.