Estrella A. Guillermo

She is survived by her sister Pacita Albano, brother Jose Arceo, 4 children: Edison, Elmer, Evelyn, and Emma; 9 grandchildren: Caryn, Erick, Edwin, Cherise, Chris, Ariana, Jian, Noelle, and Dutchie; and great granddaughter, Elysa.   

She was born on August 4, 1933 in Bobon Burgos, Illocos Norte to Felicissimo & Esperanza Lagpacan Arceo.   She was married to the love of her life, Elias N. Guillermo for 66 years. 

It’s fitting that Estrella means “star”, as she was without a doubt, the star of her family.  As a military spouse, she, along with Edison and Elmer, migrated to the United States in 1959. She joined Elias who was stationed in Fort Hood Texas, where Evelyn and Emma were born.  Their military family life consisted of travelling to various places from Germany to the Philippines, in a Ford Fairlane, blue Chevrolet or an orange Volkswagon camper.  

In 1979, after 23 years in the military, Estrella and Elias retired in San Diego, California. She took on a full-time job at Sanyo while still being the bright light of the family as executive chef, baker, and party host (she hid food for those late to the party).  She enjoyed gardening, vacationing on cruise ships, traveling the world to visit her children and spoiling her grandchildren.  Living in California allowed her to stay in contact with family and friends from San Diego to Sacramento, and everywhere in between. 

Estrella will be remembered for her star personality and honored as “Manang” to those who love and respect her. We celebrate her life for her role as the matriarch of our family. She is now with her love Elias and they’re watching us from above as we continue their legacy.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.glenabbeysandiego.net for the Guillermo family.