Estelita "Este" Obedoza Bautista

She was one of eight children and spent her childhood and young adulthood alongside her siblings Erlinda, Vivencio, Evangelina, Abelardo, Florencio, Norma, and Joel in the Philippines.

The essence of family was ingrained into Estelita early as a child, guiding her aspirations and priorities throughout her life.

Estelita pursued a nursing education at M.V. Gallego Foundation College of Nursing in Cabanatuan City and soon after traveled to the United States in March 1980 with her youngest siblings Norma and Joel.

Estelita began her nursing career working as a licensed vocational nurse while studying for her board exam. With a passing score, and the initial excitement of another step towards her career, she followed her older sister, Evangelina, who was employed at UC San Diego. Little did she know at the time that she would spend most of her life caring for the patients at UC San Diego Hillcrest for the next 35 years. Her commitment to patient care was incredible, and never once did she yearn for recognition. Not only was she the definition of a dedicated employee, she was also a great colleague. She always assisted others when she could.

A nursing career was perfect for Estelita as it highlighted all her strengths, personifying kindness, selflessness, and compassion. She spent her career as a registered nurse on the 10 East Telemetry floor, where a handful of her co-workers became lifelong friends.

Living contently with a bustling and successful career, Estelita never thought she would marry. However, unexpectedly later in life, she met her husband, Carl, married, and was blessed with two daughters, Heidi Leigh and Erika Nicole. She loved being a mother and did everything in her power as the matriarch to provide her family with a blessed life. She believed God was always with her and this belief only grew stronger as she navigated and sacrificed herself through the tireless days and nights as a mother, wife, homemaker, and career woman.

Estelita found pleasure in gardening, cooking meals for her family, and enjoyed the highs and lows of gambling on slot machines. One could find her in the mornings watering and speaking to her plants after her cup of coffee. At night, she enjoyed nightly meals around the table with her family. In her retired years, she continued her gardening hobby with the added company of her beloved pet dogs. She was an avid sports watcher and always found herself cheering for the underdog. She always looked forward to any family gathering and just loved the company of her loved ones. As for her daughters, her motherly love never withered as she continued to support her daughters and showered them with love for the rest of her life. She was truly one of God’s gifts to earth as her humbleness and genuine kindness were always felt by all who had the honor of being in her life.

Estelita left us on February 21, 2022.

After weeks on the Bone Marrow Transplant floor, she passed away at Jacobs Medical Center at UC San Diego.

She is survived by her husband, Carl Bautista and her daughters, Heidi Leigh Bautista and Erika Nicole Bautista; in addition to her siblings Erlinda, Vivencio, Florencio, Norma, and Joel.

The first night of visitation for Estelita will be held Sunday, March 13, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Glen Abbey's Little Chapel of the Roses, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902.

A second night of visitation will occur the following day Monday, March 14, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902 also at The Little Chapel of the Roses.

A funeral service will occur Tuesday, March 15, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 242 E Eighth Street, National City, CA 91950.

A graveside service will occur Tuesday, March 15, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM following the funeral service.

A reception will occur Tuesday, March 15, 2022 from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM, at Glen Abbey's Little Lodge, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902.