Estrella Besinga Sybinsky

ESTRELLA BESINGA SYBINSKY Estrella Besinga Sybinsky, 76, of Kailua, Hawaii passed away unexpectedly on November 7, 2024. She was born in Guindulman, Bohol, Philippines and raised in Cebu City. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree from the University of San Carlos and completing two years of law school, she was awarded a grant to the East West Center in Honolulu for her graduate studies. It was at the East West Center that she met fellow grantee, Peter, who became her husband of 52 years. After their marriage in Cebu, the couple settled in Hawaii and Estrella began her work life in higher education, first at Leeward Community College then transferring closer to home at Windward Community College, where she taught political science. The couple raised two daughters in Hawaii before Peter's career took the family to the mainland for fifteen years. There Estrella continued teaching at Sonoma State University and Santa Rosa College in California and Indiana University/Purdue University Columbus and Butler University in Indiana before retiring in 2001. Estrella was the heart of her family and is missed more than words can express. A loving wife and mother, her family was her greatest delight. She filled their home with laughter, joy and music. She wore many hats in her life: mother, wife, sister, friend, educator, author, lector to name a few. And in each role, she excelled. She genuinely loved people. Her beautiful smile, vibrant personality and welcoming nature drew others to her and she made friends wherever she went. Her spirit will continue on in the lives of all those she touched with her light. Estrella is survived by husband Peter and daughters Cristina and Andrea. Also surviving are siblings, Rudolfo (Mariles) Besinga, Charito (Jun) Talaid and Ceasar (Cathy) Besinga as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She is preceded in death by parents Cornelio and Josefa, sister Judith (German) Songco, brother Eduardo (Remy) Besinga and nephew German (Jean) Songco Jr. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2024 at St. John Vianney Church (Kailua). Visitation starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. and burial at 1:00 p.m. at Valley of the Temples Memorial Park (Kaneohe). In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to the Hawaii Food Bank or the children's charity of your choice. Arrangements Provided By: Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary