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Carmen Estrella Obituary
February 11, 1934 ~ April 3, 2009
MONTEREY - On April 3, 2009, with her family by her side, Carmen Estrella lost her battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at her home. She was 75 years old.
Carmen was the youngest daughter of Gladys and Tony Vargas. She was raised in Salinas with five sisters and two brothers. Her grandmother was a direct descendant of Juan Bautista Alvarado.
With her husband Wally, Carmen raised her own family in Pacific Grove and Monterey. Carmen retired from Asilomar Conference Center after 23 years. She was awarded "Employee of the Year" in 1984 for her outstanding service.
Carmen was loved by many. She loved her friends and family. She is survived by her four devoted children, Catherine Dannels, Rosemary Favazza (Tom), Linda Souders (Marvin) and son, Robert (Nancy); her eight grandchildren, five great- grandchildren and her only surviving brother, Tony Vargas (Grace). Her husband, Wally, as well as her siblings, Arlene, Dolores, Helen, Amelia, Dorothy and Frank, preceded her in death.
Friends of Carmen are invited to a vigil service in her honor at Bayside Community Mortuary, 1610 Noche Buena St., Seaside, CA on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, CA.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to Carmen's doctors: Zoltan Denes and Thomas Bradley and their staff, and especially for the compassionate care provided through Hospice of the Central Coast.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carmen's honor may be made to the Hospice of the Central Coast, P.O. Box HH, Monterey, CA 93942. Please visit www.baysidecommunitymortuary.com to sign the online guestbook and leave condolences for the
family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carmen Estrella
5 Entries
Pat Griggs
April 12, 2009
Carmen was a beautiful and kind person inside and outside. She was the best friend any family could have been blessed with - she was always there in good times and bad. Our families have been blessed with a very long friendship of many memories together. Cathy, Rosemary, Linda and Robert - it has been many years but I have many pleasant memories of all of you and I send you my love and sympathy. I can see Carmen,Peg,Ida, and my Mom (Velma) all sitting around the table - talking and drinking coffee and smiling.
Love and miss you all
Pat Griggs
Lisa Faust
April 8, 2009
I remember Carmen as a devoted friend to all of our California family.. Well,actually Carmen was family..much more than friend..I am the daughter of Velma...Love,hugs and prayers to all..
Sandi Ellis
April 7, 2009
Dearest Linda and family,
It's been such a pleasure to know Carmen over the years and being able to play Bunco with her. She was so much fun and such a joy. Oh how I loved her hugs and sweet smile. She was a true gift to all of us that knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May ALL the wonderful family memories help to sustain you during this most difficult time.
Blessings and love to all of you,
Sandi Ellis
Marge Sanford
April 7, 2009
I'll always remember the fun we had in the Crocker Dining Hall at Asilomar. Carmen had a big HELLO for all of the guests and employees who crossed her path in the many years she worked there. We'll never forget getting ready for those Holiday buffets. She was a dear member of that Asilomar Family that was started so many years ago.
I remember the surprise Carmen and I both had running into each other at the Chomps Survivor's Day Picnic. She was taken back at the collect of old dear Asilomar friends that were there and she collected hugs from each and every one of them. Many tears that day were had.
We crossed paths again these past few years at appointments, constantly encouraging each other on our journeys.
I'm glad to know that I have a new guardian angel keep an eye on me. Carmen fought a good fight and now she's starting her new heavenly journey once again with the family that went on before her. Thanks for the memories Carmen. Hugs, Marge
Wayne Woollard
April 7, 2009
I wish to extend my deepest of sympathys to Carmens Family. I have known Carmen since the first grade at Lincoln School. I will miss her ever present smile.
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