Estrella Salgado

Estrella Salgado, 91 of Tampa, formerly of Leonia NJ, died peacefully on June 9 surrounded by family and friends at home. Estrella was born June 5, 1923 in Enciso, Rioja,Spain. At age 15, she met the love of her life, Dr. Ernesto Salgado. They married by proxy in 1952 and after almost 2 years apart, Estrella bravely left her family in Spain to reunite with Ernesto in Montreal, Canada. They moved to New York and eventually settled in Leonia, New Jersey where they lived for many years and raised their four daughters. Family and friends were Estrella's passion and delight. She and her family spent wonderful summer vacations in Spain with extended family and friends and after her husband retired, they split their time between their homes in New Jersey and Spain.
After the sudden death of her beloved husband Ernesto in 1999, Estrella began making extended visits to her daughter Monica's home in Tampa and eventually moved to Tampa in 2008. There she began the final chapter of her life. Estrella frequently attended activities at the Town N County Senior Center where she enjoyed spending time with the many friends that she met there. She enjoyed many activities including bingo, exercise class, dominoes and her favorite activity of all, dancing. Estrella's many kind friends, her family and her days spent at the Senior Center kept her young at heart.
In recent months as her health began to decline, she was lovingly looked after at home by her caregivers, Mary and Barbara. The family will be forever grateful for the love and excellent care they provided. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the Burgundy Team of LifePath Hospice and especially to Brenda her nurse. Special thanks to the staff and volunteers of Estrella's home away from home, Town N Country Senior Center, and in particular Lori and Sandra. The family would also like to give thanks to Estrella's many caring friends who have been like family to her for many years.
Estrella is survived by her 4 daughters: Helen Anderson of Midland Park, New Jersey, Irene Guernsey of Mary Esther, Florida, Monica Mancuso of Tampa, Florida and Ana D'Occhio of Cary, North Carolina. Estrella is also survived by 8 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Estrella's family is saddened by her loss but find comfort in knowing that she will be able to dance once more in heaven with her beloved Ernesto.
There will be a gathering of family and friends on Friday, June 13, 2014 from 3 to 6PM at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Life Path Hospice or Town N Country Senior Center.