Estrella Belviz Hortillosa

Estrella Belviz Hortillosa Estrella Belviz Hortillosa, 89, of Arroyo Grande passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Estrella was born in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, Philippines, the youngest of three children. She married Aurelio Hortillosa after his service in World War II ended, and together they started their family, which grew to include three sons and a daughter. While Aurelio worked for the U.S. Navy in Guam, Estrella attended the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City, graduating in 1964 with a secretarial degree. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen, and in 1965, the family immigrated to the United States, settling in Arroyo Grande. Estrella loved spending time with family and friends; her social calendar was filled with parties, card games, and lunches around town. She was active in the Five Cities Filipino community and had been a member of the local Filipino Women's Club since the 1960s. From an early age she enjoyed singing and was always happy to take the stage, starting with fiestas in her hometown and continuing through the years with programs at the Filipino Community Center in Grover Beach. Another passion of hers was growing orchids; at any time, dozens were blooming in her backyard. A devout Catholic, Estrella attended Mass every Sunday morning at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Arroyo Grande. Her family will especially miss her Filipino cooking; the way she brightened up a room, both with her lively personality and her penchant for vividly hued, sparkly outfits; and, most of all, her unwavering and unconditional love. Estrella is survived by her children: Gerry (Elaine) of Arroyo Grande, Bill (Debi) of Oceano, Gladys (Tom) Janocko of Nipomo and Leo (Brooke) of Nipomo; as well as nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Aurelio; brother, Uldarico Belviz; and sister, Lida Belviz Bilbao. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm, Thursday, October 12, 2017, at Lady Family Mortuary in Arroyo Grande. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, October 13, at St. Patrick's Church, with burial at Arroyo Grande Cemetery. Sign her guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries