Estrella Sarit "Jaca" Vasquez

Estrella Sarit Vasquez (Jaca), age 76, passed away on February 7, 2026.

She was born on May 12, 1949, in Mahayag, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines, to Sebastian Jaca and Anunciaon Sarit Jaca.

Estrella's strength and determination were evident from an early age. She graduated as valedictorian of her elementary school class at Silamagint Belatakin in Tangub, Misamis Occidental - a reflection of the drive and spirit that would define her life.

She was married first to Paul Averitt of the U.S. Navy and later to Nicholas Vasquez of the U.S. Air Force; both marriages ended in divorce. She is survived by her children: Bryce Averitt, Marc Averitt, Rachel Averitt, and Rolando Vasquez.

Life's adventure would take her from Mindanao to Cebu, and then great distances beyond the country of her birth - making homes in Okinawa, Minnesota, Florida, Arkansas, Texas, and then finally the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Beyond her role as a mother, Estrella was a talented seamstress and artist who found joy in crafting bespoke wardrobes of all styles and painting subjects of still life. She expressed love through her cooking, sharing dishes from her childhood and world travels - vibrant flavors of Gyoza, Lugaw, Chicken Inasal, Lumpia, and Panko Chicken. Her creativity and hospitality she brought into every room had a natural ability to make spaces feel warm and inviting.

To know Estrella was to experience her full complexity. She was sassy, spirited, unapologetic, and unfiltered - yet deeply compassionate to friends and strangers alike. Some people dim themselves to be socially accepted; Estrella never did. She was self-aware, remained bright, and was comfortable with who she was. Estrella was never timid about befriending new people, and when it came to a party, she didn't wait to be invited into the moment - she was the moment. She carried a fire within her that drew people in. If you liked her, you really liked her - and even if you didn't, she remained entirely herself. Estrella lived vividly, loved fiercely, and left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew her.

A private celebration of life for family & friends will be held at the Michigan House in Calumet.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Copper Country Angel Mission Free Store (donation link available on the desktop version of their website) or to Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly – Upper Peninsula.