Estelita Reyes Garcila

Estelita Reyes Garcila was born Sept 2, 1932 to Degracias and Felomena Reyes in Arayat Philippines. She was second to the youngest of 12 siblings. The family considered higher education the foremost priority with 11 of the 12 children obtaining college level degrees and above. Estel earned a Masters degree in Education from the University of the Philippines and went on to teach elementary school in her hometown of Arenas, eventually retiring from teaching prior to emigrating to the US.

A devoted wife, Estel and her children emigrated to the United States to follow her husband, Avelino, during his service in the US Navy. Estel's sacrifice of leaving her home, family and community in the Philippines allowed her husband and children many opportunities in the United States. After emigrating, Estel began work in the States as a seamstress and went on to work as a secretary with the Federal government where she eventually retired.

Throughout her life, Estel was a devout Catholic with a strong devotion to God. She closely followed and practiced the teachings of the Holy Bible, and her actions throughout her life exemplified those teachings. Estel always prayed for the well-being of others. She was selfless and kind; Estel was always willing and available to help others in need, and her generosity was felt by many.

Estel's greatest joy was her family - the births of her grandchildren, the family potlucks and gatherings filled with laughter and love, the pride of witnessing their growth and accomplishments - her love as a wife, a mother, and a grandmother was unconditional. Estel knew how to bring light and warmth to any situation; she welcomed new immigrants from the Philippines into her home and gave them a community to lean on. She loved hosting and attending social and charity events, and especially loved cooking for others, enjoying music and dancing with her friends and family. Estel enjoyed traveling, and in her retirement years she took numerous trips and vacations to the Philippines, where she reconnected with her friends and family back home.

Avelino preceded her in death on Jan 19, 2016 but their life together was rich with family get-togethers, social events, and travel. Estel died peacefully in her home on June 28, 2021 and is survived by her sons Joseph, Stephen, and Bernard, daughter in-laws Lisa and Olivia, grandchildren Jessica, Gabrielle, Brendan and Aidan.