Amelia Estrada

Amelia Garza Estrada, age 89, born and raised in Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, with her two surviving daughters at her side. She now joins her beloved husband, daughter, and sister in heavenly rest.

She graduated from Austin High School in 1955 and soon began working at Laves Jewelers on Sixth Street, a job she spoke of fondly for the rest of her life. It was there, in 1963, that she met her one and only, Joe, whom she always called Honey—a name so familiar that when Janette was in kindergarten, she thought it was her father’s real name. After Joe’s passing in 1990, she continued on with steadfast devotion to her family.

She later retired from the University of Texas, looking forward to spending more time with the people she loved. A perfect traveling companion, she embraced many adventures both abroad and across the United States.

She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, gentle ways, quiet strength, calming presence, and nurturing love for family and friends. She was a joy to be with, and her family is grateful for the full life she lived and every moment with her.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Joe A. Estrada, Jr.; her daughter, Janette Estrada; her sister and best friend, Trini Lopez; and her parents, Encarnacion and Petra Garza.

Survivors include daughters Rosie Estrada and JoAnn Estrada; granddaughters Andrea Rangel, Emily Nies, and Ann-Marie Hilbert; and great-grandchildren Gabriel, Jariyah, and Amaree Davis.

Her family thanks Town Square Senior Center, Austin Palliative Care, Hospice Austin, Christopher House, and all those who loved and supported her as she lived with Alzheimer’s in recent years.

A visitation will be held at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, located at 6100 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78752, on January 22, 2026, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.

A committal service will follow at Assumption Cemetery, located at 3650 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78704, on January 22, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.